The zoning application was originally submitted in December 2021 by then-Testo’s owners Mario Testa, longtime head of the Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee and ally of Mayor Joe Ganim, and his nephew Ralph Giacobbe. And the apartment plan was drawn up by Bridgeport-based contractor John Guedes, well-know for his work in Shelton and some under-construction downtown Bridgeport housing projects, like the conversion of the former Holiday Inn into apartments. Then, after the Testo’s application was formally approved last October, the sale of the restaurant and the adjacent homes to Amit Lakhotia was announced in late November. That $3.5 million deal closed in early April. Guedes remained involved as the contractor and got a foundation permit in mid-May and his demolition approvals last week. It is not clear whether the revocation of the zoning authorization from last October will put Testa and Giacobbe at legal risk. Guedes has repeatedly stated their deal with Lakhotia, for whom he has been acting as a spokesman, was contingent on that zoning approval being in place.
https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/bridgeport-testos-apartments-north-end-madison-ave-18266833.php