A proposed craft brewery to be built in Springfield is at the center of a zoning debate that could determine its fate.
The brewery would be on Main Street, where Christina Parrish says she sees so much potential.
“If you’ve been up and down Main Street, I’m sure you’ve noticed we have a lot of vacant buildings and a lot of vacant lots,” said Parrish, who is the executive director of the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council.
She says a craft brewery on Main Street would create more foot traffic and revitalize the area.
“There have been a lot of studies done that suggest that exactly the kind of business that’s proposed for this location is what we need to move things forward,” Parrish said.
The brewery has a lot of support among people in Springfield but the plans depend on a zoning change.
Rezoning would allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol in the proposed location.
It would also give the brewery more flexibility to operate, including relief from the rule that prevents bars or breweries from being 1,500 feet from churches.
Several religious leaders do not support the proposed brewery.
Ted Corley with Mission First Coast tells Action News Jax he’s trying to build opposition to the brewery.
Thornton Brown preaches at the Westside Church of Christ just down the road from the proposed site.
He says alcohol isn’t the right influence for a growing neighborhood.
“Springfield is an up-and-coming neighborhood,” Brown said. “You’re trying to clean it up. You’re trying to remodel and refurbish the homes there, and you’re trying to present a positive outlook with family.”
People we spoke to on Wednesday said they aren’t buying that argument.
Andrew Gebrehawariat says alcohol can be consumed in a safe way and wouldn’t negatively impact the neighborhood.
“People can come in, sit down and it’s a very controlled environment,” said Gebrehawariat. “I think Jacksonville needs that type of thing.”
The Jacksonville Planning Commission will meet Thursday afternoon to hear the rezoning proposal.
If it passes, it will then be heard by the Land Use and Zoning Committee on Sept. 20.
Cox Media Group
