MONROE, CT — Families and friends enjoyed meals outside on warm days last summer, when Monroe’s restaurants were allowed to offer outdoor dining amid the COVID-19 pandemic — and town officials recently relaxed zoning regulations to keep the patios busy every season. Local eateries are already lining up to take advantage of the flexibility. David Rodrigues, owner of Bella Rosa Ristorante on Monroe Turnpike recently posted a photo of his restaurant’s patio area on his Facebook page to advertise outdoor dining this spring, and Constantin Crama says the patio for his restaurant, Monroe Social on Main Street, will be installed this week. First Selectman Ken Kellogg says restaurants are working with Economic Development Coordinator William Holsworth to submit plans for their patios. “These plans can now be reviewed and approved administratively by staff under minor changes to the site plan process, without going through the commission and without going through the more lengthy and costly plan revision process,” Kellogg told the Town Council at its meeting Monday night.
