West Hartford Council Approves Improvements to Pond House

Only one resident spoke during the Town Council’s public hearing on an application by The Food Group LLC and the City of Hartford concerning several proposed changes at the Pond House.

That, in of itself, shows how far the town and its residents have come to accept the popular restaurant and banquet facility located in Elizabeth Park.

Mayor Scott Slifka and Town Councilor Leon Davidoff recalled how residents filled the Town Council Chambers in 2001 and 2004 when the Pond House was first proposed and when an application was filed to allow the serving of alcoholic beverages.

Slifka had just been elected to the Town Council in 2001, and Davidoff was a member of the Plan & Zoning Commission in 2004.

The application before the Council on Tuesday, which was approved 9-0, called for amending the special development district to allow the following:

• the installation of a new walkway around the Pond House,

• a new paved terrace adjacent to the auditorium/banquet space,

There won’t an increase in the number of seats at the restaurant, but the ratio of indoor and outdoor seats will be flipped so that there will be 62 indoor seats and 44 outdoor seats.

Attorney Robin Pearson, who represented the applicants, said that there was extensive outreach to the community and direct contact with neighbors who would be directly affected.

All of the comments were positive, Pearson said.

The only issue Pearson said she could think of was an increase in traffic during the winter months as a result of the increase in indoor seating. But there would be plenty of parking during the colder months, as park use decreased, Pearson said.

“I searched long and hard for an issue,” she said.

The lone member of the public who spoke - Richard White - voiced his support for the changes.

“My wife and I have enjoyed many meals at the Pond House,” White said. “I see the terrace, walkway, picnic area and garden as only improving [the ambiance]. … We all know when the weather is nice, parking and traffic are a problem there, but the reason why is because the park is such a great place to visit. ...

“I support this amendment for this gem of a restaurant.”

Town Councilors were equally effusive in their praise.

“We are blessed to have a facility that takes pride in their space and the community,” Deputy Mayor Shari Cantor said. “I’m impressed with the health and vitality of the gardens there.”

“This is in harmony with the environment,” Councilor Steven Adler said. “When you go to the Pond House or when you are walking along the ground of the Pond House, it’s not just a restaurant. It’s a true destination to enjoy. We’re very grateful for what you are doing.”

Slifka recalled a time when Elizabeth Park wasn’t as inviting as it is today.

With the Pond House, however, the park is “vibrant and safe all hours of the day.”

That just one resident spoke on the matter - in support of it no less - is an indication of how much better people, particularly neighbors, feel about the Pond House than they did 10 years ago, Slifka said.