The Turlock Planning Commission met Nov. 6 unanimously approving a conditional use permit for Dust Bowl Brewing Company which now stands as a final decision as no appeals were filed.
The public comment appeals deadline ended Nov. 17, 10 days from the day after the Planning Commission’s decision on Nov. 6. Had an appeal been filed, the conditional use permit would have gone before City Council to make a final decision.
"We're happy to continue to move forward on the new brewery,” said Brett Tate, Dust Bowl Brewing Company Owner.
“We've been busy working with our general contractor, designers and suppliers on the new facility. It's a long and thoughtful process, but we're excited to see things taking shape.”
Dust Bowl will expand to a new 30,000 square-foot facility located west of Highway 99 at 3000 Fulkerth Rd. and 1501 Dianne Dr., in the Turlock Regional Industrial Park. The building is intended to house the brewing, bottling, storage, shipping, business offices, and retail visitor center Tasting Room with an open patio with a view of brewing operations and packaging.
The facility is expected to operate 24 hours per day with manufacturing, while the tasting room will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
As the area is zoned as Community Commercial, intended for retail-type activities, such as restaurants, hotels, and entertainment uses, and not necessarily manufacturing, the company was required to attain the conditional use permit to move forward.
During the public comments section, local residents, though welcoming of the economic development, raised concerns with how the facility might affect their nearby homes.
Desiree Cuenca Silva, who owns property on Fulkerth Road near the new project raised questions regarding plans for security, lighting and noise that would come from the 24 hour per day manufacturing facility.
Julio Hallack, who also owns property on Fulkerth Road, questioned the proposed hybrid-zoning of the project. He stated that due to narrow roads by homes nearing project property owners were already suffering consequences of traffic, also mentioning concerns over privacy, public safety and property values.
In regard Hallack’s concerns, Planning Commissioners noted that surrounding roads are being widened, and lighting and traffic patterns would be oriented away from homes.
During the meeting, Commissioner Nick Hackler stated that he believed Dust Bowl owners would be willing to listen to the concerns raised by local residents.
Following the meeting, Dust Bowl owners spoke with residents nearing the new facility.
“We have been open to listening and, as we've shared with them, we will of course take their concerns into consideration as the brewery evolves,” said Tate.
Per CEQA requirements, according to the Commission, 19 properties in a 500 square-foot radius surrounding the project were given notices regarding the proposed plan and a sign was posted.
During the meeting, Soraya Fregosi, Planning Commission Chair, called the proposed Dust Bowl Brewery aesthetically pleasing; she hypothetically stated that the project could increase nearby property values.
Rendering of the exterior of the brewery expansion set to be completed in November 2015.
Courtesy of Dust Bowl Brewing Company
