Yardley Council To Discuss Taproom Zoning Appeal Tuesday

YARDLEY, PA — The Yardley Borough Council will hold a public meeting Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Borough Hall.

During this July 20 meeting, the council will hear reports from the police chief, the solicitor, the mayor, and others. Later in the meeting, under “Other Business,” council will also discuss a zoning appeal by the Vault’s Taproom that has become somewhat controversial.

The Vault, a brewery with a tasting room at the Tannery on West College Avenue, is seeking a variance to expand its usage at that location to include a small kitchen and a barbecue smoker — both of which are not permitted under its current designation as a tasting room. Currently, they bring food across town from their other location to serve at the Taproom.

The Taproom is also located in a primarily residential neighborhood, and people have recently been unhappy with the music and noise from the Taproom’s outdoor tent. According to Bucks Local News, Operations Manager Jim Cain has assured Council that this will no longer be a problem as they move operations back indoors.

On June 28, the zoning board voted unanimously to grant the Taproom a variance, changing its use from a tasting room to a restaurant. But the approval also came with conditions: the removal of the Taproom’s outdoor tent, and the elimination of outdoor music, outdoor seating, and extended night hours unless the Taproom secures a special events permit from the borough council.

Council President David Bria said that council won’t be making a final call on whether to appeal the zoning board’s choice until it receives a copy of their written decision.

Also on the agenda, Yardley’s council members will also report out from various committees and commissions: Matthew Curtin on the Environmental Advisory Commission and the Reading Avenue Committee; Matthew Ross on the Public Works Committee and the Planning Commission; Kim Segal Morris on the Public Safety Committee, the Human Relations Commission, and the TTN Airport Updates; David Bria on the Sewer Authority; Caroline Thompson on the General Government Committee and the Parks & Recreation Board; John McCann on the Community & Economic Development Committee, the Historic & Architectural Review Board, and the North Main Street Traffic Committee; and Uri Feiner on the Community Outreach Committee, Experience Yardley, and the Shade Tree Commission.

Read the full meeting agenda here.

Stay informed about what’s going on in Yardley, or in your local area. Sign up for Patch emails and don't miss a minute of local and state news.

Got tips, story ideas, or questions in Lower Bucks County? Email kate.fishman@patch.com.