A variance of use request to the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission on Bonna Ave. filed by Black Acre Brewing Company has touched off a controversy about the appropriateness of the request — and the changing needs of the small, historic community on the east side.
Black Acre Brewing Company, which has an established tap room and area for brewing artisan beers at 5632 E. Washington St., is looking to expand its beer-making capacity from the current three barrel brewing system to a 15 barrel system. They signed a lease for the property on Bonna Ave., and began moving equipment in, without realizing it was not zoned for industrial use (breweries, even micro-breweries, are covered under industrial, not commercial, zoning). The owners of Black Acre applied for a variance to permit brewing at the site, and to reduce the number of parking spaces required for the site.
A special meeting of the Historic Irvington Community Council was convened on Dec. 2 at Irvington Methodist Church to discuss and vote to support or deny the variance. Over 150 residents and local business owners attended.
The IHPC staff report has recommended denial of the variance, primarily based on the 2006 Irvington Historic Area Preservation Plan, which stated that Bonna Ave. would be better used as residential. Dawn Briggs showed the audience the Plan, and noted that when it was written it was only to provide guidance for future development in Irvington. “It isn’t engraved in stone,” she said. “It was meant as a jumping off point,” said Kyla Thompson.
Justin Miller from Black Acre explained that the brewing process that would take place in the leased building. According to Miller, the 15 barrel system, when in use, would only emit steam from a pipe in the roof about 8 times per month, and spent grains and yeast from the process are taken away by Disrealth Farms and Peaceful Grounds to be used in organic and sustainable farming operations. He noted that when the brewery was fully operational, they would employ up to 15 people. The leased building would only be used to brew beer for the tap room on East Washington St.
“We contacted the neighbors closest to the building and had a meeting to talk about their concerns,” Miller said. “Most of them have written to the commission in support.”
Residents and business owners were given an opportunity to speak in favor or against the variance. John Robertson, owner of the Legend restaurant in Irvington, said that he fully supported the variance. “Black Acre has helped pull more people into the neighborhood. This will be good for everyone.” Several other residents came forward to support the variance, noting that Black Acre’s increased expansion was good for the local economy, and would help revitalize a run-down area — perhaps inspiring others to invest in the area.
Other supporters noted that Black Acre has been a good member of the community, helping to raise money for the Streetscape, the installation and maintenance of the lamp posts, and other projects in Irvington. Many residents cited the new businesses, including Black Acre, for helping them make the decision to move to the community.
A few voices were raised in opposition to the variance. Matt Davies, who lives close to the property, questioned the safety of the emissions, noting EPA studies. He also noted that the brewing process could be dangerous, causing explosions.
City-County Councilor Ben Hunter attended the meeting, and voiced his support for the variance based on its opportunity for continued economic growth, and encouraged residents to attend the IHPC meeting on Jan. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Assembly Room of the City-County Building. “The commission is very influenced by the neighborhood opinion. Get to the meeting to support the variance, and it will make a difference.”
At the close of the two and a half hour meeting, the Historic Irvington Community Council unanimously voted to write a letter of support for the variance.