Near and Far Brewing presents concept for 10,000-square-foot brewpub; developer seeks village help on sewer interceptors

Developers for Near and Far Brewing Company presented a conceptual plan for a roughly 10,000-square-foot brewpub and multi-tenant commercial building on Lot 45 in Coyle Highlands South and told the Cottage Grove Planning Commission the project could catalyze additional residential and commercial development along Cottage Grove Road.

Edward Ray, co-owner of Near and Far Brewing Company, said the proposed building would include about 6,100 square feet dedicated to brewing operations and that the overall facility would include a full-size kitchen, dog-friendly outdoor space, and a potential rooftop amenity. “We wanted it to be a community hub,” said Melissa Ratcliffe, identified at the meeting as a village resident and business owner.

The proposal prompted a detailed utilities discussion. Andrew Homburg, who said he and his brother Chris own the second phase of Coyle Highlands South, told the commission that the parcel sits within Tax Increment District 8 (TID 8) but that the site requires construction of three major interceptors — two storm and one sanitary — that the developers cannot reasonably bear on the currently planned 16 single-family lots and four commercial lots. “We can't bear the weight of that on 16 single family lots and 4 commercial lots. We are not contributory to any of those 3 interceptors. There's 2 storm sewer and 1 sanitary sewer line. But we're obligated to construct those,” Homburg said.

Homburg asked the village to consider funding help, citing the project’s potential to create capacity for development west of the Sandpiper–Cottage Grove Road intersection and to spur additional businesses. Staff confirmed the property and the 16 lots are inside TID 8 and noted TID funding could be a mechanism to address interceptor costs; the commission suggested the proposal could help unlock currently vacant lots.

Commissioners asked about timeline, access, parking, and fire-department review. The Near and Far team said they plan roughly two full-time and about 12 part-time employees and expected weekend hours likely to close around 11–12 p.m., though exact hours and final site details depend on permitting, the interceptor agreement with the village, and public-works review. Staff said driveway access and setbacks will require consultation with the fire department and public works as the project advances.

Ending: The presentation was informational; developers plan to return next month with a formal proposal after continued coordination with utilities and site engineering. The commission encouraged staff and the developers to continue work on interceptor funding options and site design details.