Village Board OKs Special Use for Craft Brewery

Misfit Craft Brewery received a positive reaction from Oswego Village Board members Tuesday night.

In their Committee of the Whole meeting, trustees discussed special uses proposed for village zoning ordinances that would allow for a craft brewery in the old Fire Barn building at 59 Main St.  

The village’s Plan Commission gave its unanimous approval of the zoning changes last week, and the Village Board gave its unanimous approval to the special use at its regular meeting following the committee of the whole.

“I think it’s good for the community,” Trustee Jeff Lawson said. “It will be the impetus for more business and the competition will be good and I think it will actually help the other establishments like the and . This will bring more business to them, as well.”

Village President Brian LeClercq questioned whether the amount of brewing done at the facility would create unpleasant odors in the area, saying he’d toured the Anheuser Busch plant and the odors were not pleasant.

The business would have to adhere the same regulations as others regarding smell and sound, Community Development Director Rod Zenner said.

One of the business’ partners, Steve Woertendyke, said the brewery would not be brewing enough beer—they plan 5,000 barrels per year—to create that kind of smell.

Trustee Scott Volpe, who attended last week’s Plan Commission, also voiced his support for the plan, and asked that the partners open parking behind the building for special downtown events, which they agreed to do. He said he also wanted to restate that Misfit’s plans do not call for a restaurant component.

Another partner, Jason Thalman, told the Plan Commission last week that the business has no plans to sell food, nor will it be a bar-like atmosphere for patrons to drink large amounts of alcohol. A tasting room will be available for those wishing to sample the three types of beer the company plans to begin initially brewing. 

The business is planned to be open by Oct. 1.