Proposed Zoning Changes Could Open County to Beer Manufacturers

Interested in starting a craft beer company in Howard County? New zoning regulations may help.

With craft beer bars like Victoria Gastro Pub, T-Bonz, Frisco Tap House, Ale House Columbia, Judge's Bench and Second Chance Saloon invigorating the pub scene in Howard County, it's hard to imagine how it could get any better for a beer lover in the county. But how about a craft beer manufacturer calling Howard County home? Proposed changes in industrial districts under the recently-released Comprehensive Zoning Plan would open up Howard County to brewing companies. The changes would allow manufacturers of less than 5,000 barrels of "fermented malt beverages" in light industrial districts and manufacturers of more than 5,000 barrels in heavy industrial districts. "We allow breweries, and have for a long time, as long as they're an …

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Debate Rages Around Inner Arbor Plan for Symphony Woods

The plan is being hailed by supporters as a major achievement, but blasted by critics for a lack of specifics.

The Inner Arbor Plan to develop Symphony Woods is being closely examined as Columbia Association's Board of Directors moves closer to voting on it, possibly as soon as their Feb. 14 meeting. The new plan is being hailed by CA and county officials as a bold step that could make Symphony Woods an iconic city park. But specifics about the plan, such as cost and detailed design plans, have not been discussed by CA, which notes the plan is still in a conceptual stage. The conceptual plan inclues an Arts Village, which its designer, Michael McCall of Strategic Leisure, said would contain a new CA headquarters with underground theaters below it, a space for restaurants and fast food, a public meeting house, and a raised pathway connecting it to a…

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County Council Approves Zoning Process Change in Unanimous Vote

Formal notification period mandatory for zoning changes.