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Rezoning Could Pave Way for Another Microbrewery in Athens
By: Taylor Nimmo
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With three breweries enjoying success in Athens, could a fourth find a home here? Athens City Council is moving forward on a rezoning ordinance that could pave the way for such development.
The Cats Den, a bar at 110 West Union Street, is housed in a building that is zoned as both business downstairs, and residential for the upstairs and a connected structure housing apartments. Monday night’s second reading of the rezoning ordinance would designate the entire structure as a business zone.
Regardless of how the structure will be used, Athens Mayor Steve Patterson said the move will allow the owners to develop their business.
Plans in the Making
One plan calls for the renovation of the living quarters that are above and beside the bar. The mayor also said he has heard that a brewery could be located in the space. While none of those plans have been confirmed, Patterson said the first move is to rezone the property.
“We’ll see what happens with all of that, but the main thing is just to rezone. Rezoning, I believe is just the right thing to do for that area.” Patterson said.
Mayor Steve Patterson
Reason Behind the Rezoning
Council member Christine Fah said when the owners of Cats Den investigated expanding, they discovered the property was zoned as both business and residential making further developing difficult.
Next Steps
The plan to rezone will require one more public hearing and a third reading at a council meeting. The final vote is expected in about two weeks.