Plan Commission to Discuss Allowing Microbreweries in Downtown Hudson

Right now, it's against zoning ordinances to operate a brewery, winery or distillery in the City of Hudson's historic downtown district, but a discussion at Thursday's Plan Commission meeting could set the groundwork to change that.

Hudson Community Development Director Denny Darnold said he is bringing the generic discussion to the Plan Commission to explore the possibilities of allowing some small-scale operations to the city's downtown area and general business district on the hill. He said he has received multiple inquiries about the subject, one of which was a plan to turn the Dibbo's property into a brew pub and banquet hall with commercial and residential spaces upstairs.

"If we can limit the size of these operations so they don't overwhelm a neighborhood, is it something that the city would be open to," Darnold said. "The purpose of the discussion is to see if we want to change the zoning code to permit smaller scale breweries, wineries and distilleries in the downtown area. Those types of establishments might be associated with a restaurant. They may have a tasting room. Those types of things could be a tourist attraction."

The meeting takes place at Hudson City Hall at 7 p.m. and public input is welcomed. Darnold said that no final authorization would come at the meeting, but the discussion could prompt him to draft changes in the code, which would be subject to approval by the Plan Commission and Common Council after a public hearing.

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