The Locust Grove Downtown Development Authority is seeking rezoning for a new container restaurant & microbrewery. The business would be off Carter Lane beside Southpoint Locust Grove.
The city council will conduct a public hearing about the request during their Tuesday, January 17, meeting. The council considers approval of items at their subsequent meeting.
Open Container Restaurant
Shipping containers would comprise the proposed restaurant. A wooden patio would connect the various containers. The concept site plan depicts four containers — one each for a kitchen, microbrewery, restrooms and storage.
The 0.91-acre lot has been in public ownership since 1995. The vacant lot has a current zoning of OI (office-institutional). The city’s downtown development authority owns the property. They are seeking a zoning change to C-2 (general commercial). The commercial zoning would support the proposed use.
In addition to rezoning, the applicant is seeking a change in the future land use map. Presently, the land has a mixed historic neighborhood designation. The requested category is central business district.
The proposed development would occupy the northeast corner of the property. A majority of the property, such as existing trees, would be left undisturbed. The site plan depicts no new parking spaces.
Staff Review & Recommendation
Following staff review, they are recommending approval of both items. Staff have submitted two draft zoning conditions: require a water / sewer connection for the project, and develop the site consistent with the site plan. The city council may add other conditions at their discretion if they approve the project.
City Alcohol District
The city council will subsequently consider modifications of its alcohol license distance requirements. The historic downtown district is exempt from license distance requirements right now. The proposed modifications would enlarge the district to include the proposed microbrewery. The change would also add Corner Lot Towing’s storage yard.
This district applies to licensing requirements. It should not be confused with open container districts, such as in McDonough. Locust Grove does not currently have an open container district.
The city council will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes during the January 17 meeting. Likewise, council consideration to approve will occur in February.
Featured image shows a concept of the new container restaurant. Architectural Collaborative photo.
Be the first to comment