Off track betting will be allowed as an accessory use in a restaurant in Danbury.  The Zoning Commission met again Tuesday after approving the text amendment in May.  A downtown business owner had filed a lawsuit alleging noncompliance with notification requirements. 

One commissioner initially asked to table the matter because he wanted more consideration given to whether a betting parlor would be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the City.  Another member said this was not a decision made off the cuff, citing multiple hearings that went late into the night.

Sportech Venues has exclusive licensing rights in Connecticut and would provide 1.6 percent of gross revenue to City Center.  Currently, Sportech is allowed 18 licenses, Danbury would be the 17th location.  But the state legislature approved a bill allowing Sportech to have eight more off-track betting licenses, for a total of 24 possible locations throughout the state.

Sportech plans to renovate Two Steps into a sports bar and restaurant on the first floor, with OTB gaming on the 2nd floor.  The Zoning Commission was not deciding on a site specific proposal, but a city wide change.  The specific location would be subject to City Council approval.