Planning commission recommends No Wake Brewery to city council after parking questions

The Ferrysburg Planning Commission voted to recommend the No Wake Brewery special land use and site plan to the City Council, after hearing from the applicant and discussing parking and hours.

Applicant Jack Thornson (S8), owner and manager of No Wake Brewery, told commissioners he has brewery experience on the production side (Odd Side Ales, 2015–2017) and has been home-brewing for several years. Thornson said the proposed tenant space at 17697 174th Avenue is already up to code and will require modest modifications. He described plans for a full kitchen with a hood vent enabling deep-fry and oven equipment and said he expects to serve lunch and dinner. "I don't really think we'll ever be open past midnight — maybe 11 on Friday or Saturday," Thornson said, adding the brewery would not typically open before noon.

Resident Alice Tencate (S9), who lives near the nearby strip mall, asked about hours and neighborhood impacts; Thornson said he would keep the site clean and maintain safe parking. City staff member David (S7) reviewed site-plan standards and said the principal concern is parking: the brewery plans 126 seats which, under Ferrysburg's ordinance, could translate to a 76–92 space requirement, while the tenant parking plan shows 69 spaces across six tenants. David noted best-practice ratios closer to one space per four seats and suggested options including approving as presented, recommending deferred/additional parking if problems arise, or requiring expansion if needed.

A commissioner moved to recommend the special land use and site plan to City Council "as presented"; another commissioner seconded and the motion passed by voice vote with ayes recorded. Building inspection, public services, and the fire chief recommended approval as submitted. The commission did not attach a specific parking condition in the motion; staff will forward the recommendation and supporting materials to council.