Microbrewery or brewpub planned

A microbrewery or brewpub may be coming to Collier.

The township commissioners last week voted to amend zoning rules in response to a microbrewer’s proposal to open a microbrewery or brewpub in a building across from the community center on Lobaugh Street.

“This is a very popular way to enjoy craft or specialty beers,” George Macino, president of Collier commissioners, said this week. “We were all excited thatthis went through.”

Plans call for the establishment, which would be called The Grist House, to be operating within 1½ years, but Mr. Macino said the township hopes it can open sooner than that.

“They have a really good idea what they want to do,” he said. The microbrewer also owns a microbrewery in Millvale, he said.

The amended zoning rules that the commissioners approved Aug. 9 allow brewpubs and microbreweries as permitted uses in the R3-A zoning districts.

The commissioners also approved a preliminary subdivision plan as recommended by the planning commission for a proposed residential development off Gregg Station Road.

Developer Craig Cozza is to pay a fee in lieu of dedication of recreation open space. Thefee of $1,600 per lot will total $112,000 for 70 lots and must be paid before the first buildingpermit is issued.

Based on the planning commission’s recommendation, Mr. Cozza was granted a waiver on conducting a traffic study after the state Department of Transportation agreed to the waiver.

He also will receive a waiver on a sidewalk requirement if he installs a trail connecting to Nike Site Road.