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Indian Trail approves outdoor seating for Sweet Union Brewing amid neighbor safety and parking concerns
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Summary
Council approved a modification to the conditional zoning for 5519 Indian Trail Fairview Road to allow limited outdoor seating for Sweet Union Brewing Company; the hearing included neighbor objections about parking and crime and the vote was later recorded as 3-1.
Indian Trail's Town Council on Nov. 10 approved a conditional-zoning modification (CZ20220036M) to allow an outdoor seating component for Sweet Union Brewing Company at 5519 Indian Trail Fairview Road after staff recommended changes to previously approved conditions.
Staff said the modification retains the general business district zoning but alters conditions to allow limited outdoor tables and seating and adjusts the parking calculation: following the change in indoor retail area, total parking after improvements will be 41 spaces (staff said 21 spaces are required excluding outdoor area, plus 12 spaces for the outdoor seating).
Travis Cottle, the applicant and manager/head brewer, told the council the business intends to be a low-key neighborhood destination and described operating plans: "We have no plans to exceed midnight at the latest on weekends," he said, adding that outdoor events would require additional approvals.
Neighbors at the public hearing objected to the outdoor alcohol service and warned of safety and parking impacts. "Anywhere where there's alcohol, there is more incidence of violence and alcohol-related problems," said Renee Hardis, a nearby property owner, who urged council to weigh the residential character of the area.
Council members discussed parking counts, existing ABC licensing history and the condition limiting special events to 12 permits per year. A motion to approve the conditional-zoning modification passed at the meeting; the transcript records the final vote as 3-1 (a dissent was recorded in the minutes).
