Stop Complaining and Do Something

I've always been a fan of civic involvement, or at the least, civic understanding. Don't like the way things are happening? Research why it is the way it is. Still don't like it? Vote, or do something to fix it.  If one things bothers me most it's ignorance. I don't like people complaining about something with no solution or knowledge of why the current state of affairs is the way it is. This is why when I started to get frustrated and complain to myself and others about the zoning laws in Philadelphia, I made sure I walked the walked, and not just talked the talk.

My frustration stems from the fact that (as I understand it) a brewery must be in an industrial zoned property in the city of Philadelphia. Remember, I'm talking production brewery, not brewpub. Now, I understand the need for zoning, and for the need for industrial zoning to protect residents. The issue I have with it is that it restricts small businesses, and not just breweries.  The need to push potentially dangerous and hazerdos operations away from residential areas makes sense to me. How this personally effects me though is that since a brewery (no matter the size) needs to be in an industrial area, this limits GREATLY where I could locate my nano brewery. It would force it to an undesireable area of the city (in my mind).  It would require more build out and renovation of the space than I need for my plans. I'm selfish, I know. My biggest issue isn't as much the cost or build out, but the location issue. As I have stated over the years, my vision of Mellody Brewing is that it is part of the community. It's walkable for people and able to support and boost local business. This is hard to achieve in this zoning requirement. I've read the zoning over, and over, and over again. I also recently spoke to a few land lords of indsutrial space, the result of which were some frustrations around igornance of our zoning laws. This lead me to a few ranting tweets on the @mellodybrewing twitter account.

 
 
 
 
No one is perfect right?

I realized the error of my ways, and my complaining with no action. So I wrote the Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, and I also wrote my current City Councilman Frank DiCicco and incoming Councilman Mark Squilla. I stated my case in a few paragraphs. Stated how craft beer is growing, even during a recession, and how breweries foster communities. How we, Philadelphia are known as a great beer city, but how we don't allow for easy zoning for small breweries or even large breweries to operate easily.  I told them I'm no expert, but from what I've read it just doesn't make sense. I told them I was angry and that I knew the city is currently rewriting the zoning to "make it more simple and business friendly." That straight from their website.  I told them I'd do what it takes to do it, but I didn't know where to start. Finally, I told them how a nano brewery is wanted and encouraged by the local businesses I have talked to here. How the local QVNA and Headhouse district have said they would love to see something like what I'm planning here.  I laid out some economic numbers, told them I want to do this in their districts (the councilman's) and I need their help.

You know what happened? They responded. They both responded, and responded not with a form letter or a thanks for reaching out we'll be in touch; but with action. They both want to meet face to face, and Councilman DiCicco suggested making that meeting with a member of the zoning code commission.  I'm not naive in thinking this is it, and TADA, I'll have the zoning I want, or we need as a city to support the local nano brewing movement. I do however know that I can't complain because my representatives (both who I have voted for) heard me, and said let's talk. They seem willing to address the issue. Do I feel like I can change the world? I sure do. Will I? No. But, this is going to be fun.

I'm currently researching zoning in other cities, particularly Portland, OR to show how other cities have allowed for nanos and how they make it work in business districts (both commerical and retail.)  Do I have a lot to learn? Yes, and I have two weeks to learn it before I meet my city representative and try to win them over to my side.

Want to help? Write Concilman DiCicco and future Councilman Squilla and tell them Philadelphia is a great beer town, and would be better with sensible zoning allowing for nano breweries. Really want to help? Email me and maybe you can help me understand zoning for breweries in other cities.

More to come, stay tuned. Also, get involved, and stop complaining about the state of affairs in your neighborhood or country. Don't like it? Stop watching TV and get involved.

Comments

[Mike - MikeLovesBeer.com]

Awesome write up. As a person born in the Philly area and having lived there for half my life the city holds a special place in my heart. I go back every year to visit family and enjoy awesome beer. I hope this goes well for you.

[Smellody]

Mike,

Thanks for the kind words and hopefully we'll see you at the brewery when you visit in the future. Stay tuned for more developments.

[Greg]

Fantastic work and good news for those of us hoping Philadelphia can start to become a city as friendly to breweries as it is to imports. Keep us informed as things go on.

[prada shoes]

Thanks ,I like the information.

[Aaron R.]

Mike,

I just found this article through foobooz, and I really appreciate what you're attempting to do here. The city needs more "community gathering" spaces like what you're proposing and if you can help update some of the antiquated zoning restrictions along the way then you're going a long way to kill two birds with one stone (in a very good way!).

I understand that since this is has been posted on foobooz that you will be getting a lot of attention. And I understand that what I'm about to say next will sound like a shameless sales pitch (partially true), but I am a commercial Real Estate broker in the city focusing on retail/restaurant spaces. I am also getting more and more active in the No Libs Neighborhood Association (where I live) and am getting a good handle on zoning procedures in the city. I would love to help you out if I can. Shoot me an email at arepucci@metrocommercial.com if you would like to meet up for a beer some time and discuss.

I know i probably sound like a typical BS salesman right now but I really do love what you're trying to do and want to help if i can.

Best of luck to you!