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12/22/2023 09:55 AMLobster Landing could be getting a literal lift if permits from the state come through.
At a Dec. 6 Town Council meeting, a motion to grant an easement between the Town and the property owners was unanimously approved, allowing the Lobster Landing building to be temporarily relocated for potential upgrades. Among those upgrades, the owners are seeking to raise the restaurant's elevation by 4 feet.
Per the easement agreement, the building would be temporarily moved to the public right of way at the point of Commerce Street and Grove Street so that work can be done in the water to raise the restaurant.
Besides approval from the council, permission was also given from the Police Commission as the local traffic authority at a Dec. 11 meeting. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is the last required permit. The hope is to have all the permits in place so that work can begin next month.
Per the agreement between the Town and Lobster Landing property owners John Frederick Andrews and Mary Ann Andrews, the easement would begin Jan. 1, 2024 and run until March 31, 2024. The lease can be extended if the parties agree.
While the Andrews own the property, Angela Morander and Rachel Steponkus own the business of Lobster Landing LLC, having purchased it last year.
Although she hasn’t noticed an increase in the frequency of the flooding, Steponkus said the flooding has been an issue and something the previous owners had taken steps to address.
“The building has always flooded during large storms and full moons during the fall. We actually have holes drilled into the floor to allow the water to drain out! The building is in need of new flooring, new walls, and new pilings underneath to make the building sound,” Steponkus said.
At press time, Steponkus said she doesn’t have an update on when the work will be done or where the permits stand with DEEP.
“John Andrews is hoping to restore the building to what it looked like many years ago. The only main difference will be that the building is going to be raised 4 feet!” Steponkus said.
Lobster Landing has been a draw for not just Clinton residents but also people around the state for decades. It first opened as a market in the mid-'90s and, a few years later, began serving lobster rolls. Since then, it has annually been ranked among the best lobster rolls in the state.
Steponkus said she understands people concerned about changes to the property but added the upgrades are needed.
“We are hoping to keep the building as close to the original as possible. We know it is a landmark, and we love the building as is. Unfortunately, this construction needs to happen in order to keep the building safe for everyone!” Steponkus said.