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ZHB approves small coffee-roasting operation in Midtown at 1210 Green Street
Summary
After testimony on equipment, odor control and neighborhood outreach, the board granted a special exception allowing Elementary Coffee to operate a small-scale roasting facility at 1210 Green Street with indoor-only operations and limited hours; written decision to follow within 45 days.
The Zoning Hearing Board approved a special-exception application allowing Elementary Coffee to operate a small-scale roasting facility at 1210 Green Street in Midtown. The application sought permission because the zoning code does not specifically list coffee roasting; planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval, finding the proposed use would reactivate a vacant building and be compatible with surrounding residential medium-density uses.
Applicant testimony described operations limited to roughly 700 square feet, no retail sales at the site, deliveries by a small box truck infrequently (about once every one to three weeks), and odor‑control equipment including an afterburner and a cyclone to limit emissions. Owner Andrea Grove testified she is the company's roaster and that hours would be weekdays with roasting concluding by 5 p.m. After public comment from neighbors both supportive and concerned, the board moved, seconded and approved the special exception; staff will issue a written decision within 45 days.
"This is just roasting," Grove told the board when asked about retail, adding, "Most of the time there would just be me as the roaster." The board emphasized that any future expansion beyond the submitted exhibits would require further review and permits.
