MILFORD, CT — Dockside, a proposed new waterfront craft brewery and biergarten, announced that over Memorial Day weekend more than 850 people signed a petition in support of the project. Here is the link to the petition: https://bit.ly/2skxo8O.

Dan Bagley, a Milford native and one of the co-owners of the project, noted that he is humbled and excited about the overwhelming support for the job-creating project. "We're confident that Dockside is going to serve as a boon for Milford and to the craft beer industry in Connecticut, but never in my wildest dreams could I have anticipated the breadth and depth of support shown by the community," said Bagley in a news release. "We hope people keep signing the petition and showing support for Dockside. To date, the city has been so supportive and we're hopeful that it continues through the Planning and Zoning hearing on June 19th and beyond. Thanks to everyone who has signed so far and please, tell your family and friends to share and support Dockside by signing the petition, too."

Bob Chicoine, co-owner of Dockside, added that Dockside can serve as a destination for folks in Milford and from across the state and region. "It's so great to see folks supporting the project and our message that Dockside can serve as a safe, job-creating, welcoming waterfront destination that will be seen as the Gateway to Milford," said Chicoine. "We want everyone to be able to come and enjoy this beautiful waterfront brewery and couldn't be more honored and thrilled by the outpouring of support for the project.

"With approval from Milford's Planning and Zoning Board, we will be one step closer to achieving our goal. We look forward to offering residents and visitors an opportunity to drink locally brewed craft beer by the water, help to add value to the city's thriving economy, create jobs, and build an establishment that fits well within the fabric of the community while bringing in a new and exciting venue." To move forward with the project, co-owners are seeking site plan approval, and coastal area management site plan approval from Milford's Planning and Zoning Board. The Dockside proposal aims to establish a waterfront biergarten and craft brewery on a 3-acre parcel along the Housatonic River at 40-50 Bridgeport Ave., just over the Washington bridge from Stratford, according to the Connecticut Post.

A public hearing to review the proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19 at 7:30pm in the Milford City Hall Auditorium.

The property where Dockside will be located is currently occupied by a home (50 Bridgeport Ave.) and Village Marina (40 Bridgeport Ave.). Plans for the property include demolishing the existing home—which will pave the way for 112 parking spots—and renovating the 4,000 square foot building that currently houses Village Marina to then serve as the new craft brewery.

In addition, Milford's very first biergarten will be equipped with a wide array of waterside seating and deck space overlooking the Housatonic. Plans include the building and installation of two new docks, one of which will be complete this summer. That said, both docks will be operational and around 75 boat slips will be available to allow boaters to dock at the marina. Several agencies that have given approval for the project include Wetlands, Police, Fire, Building, City Engineer, and the state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Receiving approval from Milford's Planning and Zoning Board is the last hurdle Dockside must clear to begin renovations.