By Sandi Latimer
Staff Writer
The craft beer business in Columbus is growing in such popularity that companies are looking for expansion.
Two such companies appeared before the greater Hilltop Area Commission at its June 2 meeting to seek zoning variances to expand into the area.
Four String Brewing Co. sought a variance that would allow it to sell souvenirs at a planned brewing facility at 662 N. Hague Ave.
Jeff Brown of Smith and Hall said the brewery wants to expand into a warehouse at that address and add a taproom where items that promote the company can be sold. He said tastings would be offered after tours are given. The company plans to be open three days a week.
“Coming to the Hilltop would increase their brewing capacity,” he said.
Also seeking a variance to locate a brewing facility was Columbus Brewing Co. and was seeking to add a manufacturing only location at 2555 Harrison Road, an area that abuts the city limits and the railroad tracks at Valleyview.
This variance was necessary since it is only 600 feet from residential property lines.
Both areas are zoned manufacturing. The Columbus Crewing Co. addition would employ 30 people.
Commission members cast a 13-0 vote on each request and zoning committee chairman Greg Large said he would forward the requests to the city.
Community police meetings
Police Sgt. Lowell Rector said his community response team will be putting on roundtable discussions with the community and he is looking for a place a hold such gatherings. He said the roundtables would focus on guns, gangs and violence, as well as police action.
“This is a priority of Chief (Kim) Jacobs,” Rector said. “We’ll be explaining why we draw our tasers or why we draw a gun.”
