Downtown brewery coming

Lenoir City Council unanimously approved Aug. 14 the first reading of an ordinance to vacate a portion of an identified right of way of Bank Street between East Depot and Nelson streets.

Lenoir City Mayor Tony Aikens said the change is needed to accommodate the new brewery expected to occupy the former fire station and Lenoir City Utilities Board building at 200 E. Depot St.

Tennessee Brew Works announced nearly a year ago plans to expand into Lenoir City with a new manufacturing facility and taproom.

The independently owned and operated craft brewery opened in Nashville in 2013 with a mission to create high quality craft beer that pays homage to the land, traditions and culture of Tennessee, according to the company.

Aikens said there has been speculation around whether the brewery was coming. He said he, City Administrator Amber Scott Kelso and Loudon County Economic Development Agency Executive Director Jack Qualls spoke with the developer that morning, who indicated the company was excited to be coming.

Aikens said the owners of the company had a death in the family.

Qualls addressed council over abandoning the portion of right of way.

“One of the things I do want to stress is where we’re at in as far as the grand scheme of the plans of the brewery,” Qualls said. “It’s still in the (Industrial Development Board) name, the building itself. We had to get the survey complete prior to donating the property over from the IDB to the brewery so this has been something that’s taken a little while to get.

“That’s not anyone’s fault,” he added. “There’s a lot of surveyors out there that have been covered up. They’re three or four months behind. That’s just been part of the process that we’re going through, so I apologize for the delays on the project.”

Qualls said an original part of the plan was to create green space near the brewery and he requested the abandonment for the project.

Councilmen Mike Henline inquired about a timeline for when the section of road would be closed.

Qualls said the plan is to transfer the property in September when the brewery is expected to begin plans and work at the location. He said he would like the road to remain intact until they start working.

Aikens said the city promised to give up some parking spaces in the area but would continue to be allowed usage.

Henline also inquired about Lenoir City Museum, if LCUB owned the building and if it could continue to be used.

The museum can continue to operate in the location, Aikens said.

One concern cited by brewery owners was to have enough space and to avoid parking meters and similar obstacles that could hurt business, Aikens said. The owners don’t anticipate issues now or in the future but have had difficulties in Nashville and are trying to prepare, he said.

Kelso said when the plat is passed it will become attached to the ordinance.

In an unrelated matter, council unanimously approved a recommendation by the purchasing committee for changes to the city’s website.

LaVonne Barbour, executive assistant, explained the need for a company to host the city’s website. Slamdot, Inc., would have an initial cost of $6,249 for the switch and require $100 a month for an hour of support.

Barbour said the company also handles the website for the Loudon County Chamber of Commerce.

“We felt like this was a great, great company and we’re excited to go with them if ya’ll choose to do so,” she said.

Council also approved closing Broadway from Kingston to C streets and a portion of Depot Street for the Downtown Street Festival and Car Show on Sept. 23.

Spencer Tatham and Jesse Robinson were approved as permanent, full-time officers with Lenoir City Police Department.

The city will again participate in the Battle of the Bridge food drive to benefit Good Samaritan Center of Loudon County. The city will be accepting monetary or canned, non-perishable food donations at city hall on U.S. Highway 321 until noon Thursday.

Those who would like to donate can choose for either Lenoir City or Loudon high schools to get the credit.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at the Lenoir City Municipal Building.