In an attempt to rezone the available commercial land to build a small brewery with a tavern, a petition was put before the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 10th. The requested parcel would only total about 2,100 square feet and includes an abandoned gas station with a car wash facility- which is planned to house the equipment needed to brew the beers they will be serving. The parcel is located just west of Barclay Ave on Spring Hill Drive. The plaza is also home to Rice and Beans and Marco’s Pizza.
As it stands, the parcel of land being looked at is labeled as a C1 zone and is able to house commercial facilities. Property owners are seeking approval of C2 zoning in order to allow for alcoholic production and storage, and distribution. As the petitioner is already in the process of receiving the necessary licenses and permits, the Planning and Zoning Commission focused on issues like parking with regards to the projected occupancy of the brewery- with less than 100 being estimated. Commissioner Cohen also brought up the issue of any deliveries being made to the brewery and suggested there be a cutoff period established given its proximity to a residential area. Because of this, Commissioner Qureshi brought up the need for a buffer- some form of fence or landscaping to block the view of the back of the building.
An initial comment from a resident of the area argued that their shouldn’t be a brewery built there because zoning set by the Land Use Plan was already made, and it shouldn’t be changed so hastily, that there were ‘plenty of areas’ around Spring Hill that would be better suited.
Another issue the Planning and Zoning Commission had questions about concerned the brewery’s store hours- it was clarified by the petitioner that the projected hours would not exceed ten hours. The Commission and the petitioner also brought up the need for deliveries- where they would take place, and at what hours.
It was argued that delivery times could not be before 8AM and could not happen after 6PM, but Commissioner Qureshi argued against imposing this citing the fact that the other businesses there do not have such restrictions.
Generally, the Commission seemed to be in favor of this new business coming together- noting, however, that there already are established businesses just across the street that are similar in nature to the brewery. But the petitioner argued that the environment alone is enough to set them apart, and that a big distinguishing feature of the brewery would be that it does not serve food like the other businesses.
The petition was also met with praise when the Commission took into consideration the fact that the brewery will be using a space in a small strip mall that has been vacant for some time- but they still made it a point to make sure that the gas pumps which formerly occupied the space were closed down properly to avoid any chances of an accident. If any further renovations were needed, the Commission made it aware that all proper documentation and permitting be filled out prior to bringing in any equipment.
After brief consideration, Commissioner Cohen made the motion- on the condition that there be a buffer erected to block the rear of the building from view of the residential community, and that there be adequate and proper parking in place- to recommend approval of the petition to rezone, which passed unanimously.
The Board of County Commissioners will have the final word on approval at an upcoming regular meeting.