The brewer, started in 2009 and known for its sour beers, has outgrown its existing space in Lockland faster than anticipated, founder and leader Jason Roeper said.
Construction could start next spring at the proposed Rivertown site, located near the intersection of Salzman Road and Ohio 63. Plans are to build a 31,600-square-foot facility with production, restaurant and bar space, Roeper said.
Rivertown Brewing expects to be fully operational in Monroe in 2017, he said.
Council also approved a related ordinance to establish a water rate, corporate income tax rebate, and funds for securing the appropriate liquor licenses for Rivertown Brewing Company and Barrel House, LLC.
Council OKs temporary appropriations
Council approved a temporary appropriations budget of $39.2 million for 2016, which includes nearly $11.7 million in general fund spending. The temporary appropriations budget allows the city to operate until a permanent budget for 2016 is approved before March 31.
In his report, City Manager Bill Brock said, “We are confident that the appropriations at the proposed level for these funds are supported by our five-year forecast and that we have stayed with those parameters as defined by Council, while planning for future growth and needs of the community.”
Firm hired to help connect Monroe to area bike trails
Council also approved an emergency ordinance to enter a contract with Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. (BCI) for an alignment study to link Monroe with the portion of the Great Miami River Trail bike path that connects Middletown and Hamilton. It would be one of a handful of small regional sections that would connect to the larger trail.
Brock told council the project would cost $10,700 to have a trail plan and trail digital sketch prepared, and this initial study is being requested by the city Development Department in anticipation of applying for early grant applications in 2016. In his report, Brock said the need for connectivity and trails within Monroe has been emphasized in the Park Master Planning process and the Comprehensive Plan.
Brock said the city’s 2016 budget also has funding requested to further refine the trail and to coordinate with a possible Americana reuse plan and overall citywide connectivity plan. He said the city would work with Brandstetter Carroll, Inc., the firm currently finalizing the Parks Master Plan, and the firm would begin the initial detailed analysis.
BCI has completed over 100 park and trail projects in the region, most of which included multi-purpose trails. Some of these include Phases III and IV of the Great Miami Trail in Middletown, Winton Woods Trail in Hamilton County, and several others, the city manager said.
“Their knowledge of the area, our master plan, and recent work for the trail connections in Middletown would help to expedite the process,” Brock said in his report.
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