Colonial Beach council approves conditional use permit for Potomac Perk coffee roastery

The Colonial Beach Town Council voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit allowing a small-scale specialty coffee roastery and retail coffee bar at 201 Wilder Avenue, the property formerly occupied by Margarita's. Planning staff told the council the use aligns with recent zoning text amendments that permit small-scale production in the town's commercial-residential district.

Angela Lawrence, planning staff, told the council the planning commission recommended approval with three conditions: the site must be developed substantially in accord with the submitted application materials; the roastery must use low-emission, EPA-compliant roasting equipment with venting installed according to the manufacturer and applicable fire and building regulations; and the operation must comply with all applicable local, state and federal regulations and licensing. "The coffee roastery shall use low-emission roasting equipment that is EPA compliant," Lawrence said during her presentation.

Applicant Bob Busick introduced himself and said he has owned property in Colonial Beach for more than 25 years and supports downtown revitalization. Several residents and business stakeholders spoke in favor: Eric Nelson called the proposal "a great addition for downtown," Riley Clifton said she will manage the Potomac Perk and highlighted opportunities for local hires and youth employment, and Joyce Reed said the business will enhance the Washington Street corridor. "We're excited and look forward to the grand opening," the mayor said after the vote.

The council acted on Resolution 27-26 after a public hearing that closed at 7:33 p.m. Council members voted by roll call; the clerk recorded "Aye" votes from Wood, Larson, Grandstaff, Sanford, Allison and the mayor. The permit approval allows limited local wholesale and retail distribution and a customer-facing coffee bar, subject to the conditions described by planning staff.

The council chair encouraged the applicant to notify the town ahead of a grand opening so the council can schedule a ribbon-cutting. The site has municipal parking across Washington Avenue and the project materials show interior seating, a small production area and a customer entrance on Wilder Street.

Next steps: the applicant will work with planning staff to ensure final site and equipment plans meet the council's conditions and all applicable regulations before commencing roastery operations.