Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Business Licenses topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Board Approves Nonalcoholic Gaming Lounge at 203–231 Dolson Ave.
Summary
The City of Middletown Planning Board approved Aaron Kelly’s application to open a gaming lounge offering console play and nonalcoholic, game‑inspired beverages at 203–231 Dolson Avenue; board and inspectors raised no objections after clarifying the floor plan and restroom access.
The City of Middletown Planning Board voted to approve an application to open a gaming lounge and eating-and-drinking establishment at 203–231 Dolson Avenue on Oct. 1, 2025.
Applicant Aaron Kelly told the board he plans a console-based gaming lounge with an $8 entrance fee for unlimited play and “nonalcoholic drinks, juice that we built scratch from the ground up” inspired by video games. “We made a juice for it,” Kelly said, describing themed beverages tied to game titles.
Board members questioned the site plan and access to restrooms. A board member observed the plan initially appeared to lack a path to the restrooms; Kelly and staff clarified there is “a passageway there” and patrons would “go through the boardroom game to get there.” Department of Public Works inspector Mike Watery had previously visited the site and, according to DPW representative Mister Martinez, found no issues; Fire Inspector Andy Witkowski said he had no concerns at this time.
Planning staff opened a public hearing; no members of the public spoke on the application. A motion to close the public hearing was made and seconded, and the planning board then moved to approve the resolution. The board’s recorded roll-call vote on the resolution was affirmative; the chair closed by wishing the applicant good luck.
The approval is for a business that will not serve alcohol; Kelly stated, “All drinks are nonalcoholic. We don't intend on selling alcoholic drinks at all.” No conditions beyond normal permitting and inspections were recorded in the board’s discussion.
The board noted that first-time applicants are treated as preliminary hearings and that inspections and further permits (for example for occupancy or any changes found necessary by DPW or the fire department) remain part of later administrative review.
