New brewery wraps up case for expansion
A new brewery in Towamencin has finished making its case for more space.
Blueprint Brewing Company, located in an industrial building on Gehman Road, completed a conditional use hearing on Wednesday night, asking the township supervisors to approve an expansion project.
“This was the hearing that was held on Aug. 8. A good deal of testimony, and a number of exhibits, were presented at that time,” said Solicitor Jack Dooley.
“At the close of that testimony, the determination was made to continue the hearing, to allow the applicant the opportunity to pres-
ent an additional exhibit,” he said.
The hearing earlier this month was tabled due to a request from the board that the applicant present proof that the landlord of the building they are renting was aware of their expansion plans,which would increase the retail space inside and allow for seating outside.
Attorney Kim Freimuth told the supervisors Wednesday night that that proof has now been secured, and handed each supervisors a copy.
“He understands the proposed plan, he’s seen it, he recognizes that we are requesting shared parking,” Freimuth said.
“He stated he feels the spaces in the direct front and rear of each unit are assumed to be used by those tenants, and the rest on an as-need basis. He didn’t anticipate any future issues with the addition to Blueprint Brewery,” she said.
The letter from the landlord
was formally entered into evidence, with no comment from the supervisors. Resident Joe Silverman then spoke out on behalf of the planned expansion, saying he has heard from a neighboring business in the same complex that they
have no conflicts.
“She had nothing but great things to say about these folks. She’s had no problem with parking: they close at 2 p.m., and are not open Saturdays or Sundays,” which are the brewery’s busiest days, Silverman
told the board.
“I just want to give them my full support. I’ve been a resident in the township for almost 50 years, and I think it’s a great location for this operation. It’s not impacting anybody that I can see,” he said.
Freimuth then said the same, arguing to the board that the applicant has met the burden of proving that the expansion will cause no harm to any neighbors and will be a benefit to Towamencin.
“The applicant for a conditional use has the burden of demonstrating compliance with the specific requirements of the ordinance. We believe that we have done that,” she said.
“This is a great use, in a great area, and it will be a benefit to the municipality,” Freimuth said.
Dooley then closed the hearing, and said the board would render a formal decision in accordance with the requirements of the state’s Municipalities Planning Code. “The board will deliberate, and render an opinion at a subsequent meeting,” he said.
Towamencin’s supervisors next meet at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the township administration building, 1090 Troxel Road.