Is Microbrewery Zoning Good for Westborough?

My question as to whether this zoning is good for Westborough has two levels. First, we can look at this specific to micro breweries. Next, we can look at the concept of updating zoning to attract specific types of businesses.

With respect to microbreweries, some in town feel like this zoning sends the wrong message to our kids; that this type of zoning encourages drinking. Others see this as a way to attract a growing industry with high-paying jobs.

As I see it, attracting microbreweries is a good move. Microbreweries, the manufacturing, brew pubs, and tasting rooms are an artisan craft enterprise. They cater to a clientele similar to wine enthusiasts, who seek out new tastes, flavors, and experiences. Microbreweries often become destinations for enthusiasts, who travel hours to sample new products. Production facilities, tasting rooms, and brewpubs can all enhance our community with jobs and corporate taxes.

Microbreweries do not conflict with the messages to our youth about underage and irresponsible drinking. Within our historic and downtown district, we currently have five package stores selling beer, wine, and other liquor, two of these are in gas stations. All are within walking distance of the high school and middle school. I worry more about students trying to buy a 12 pack of beer at a package store than trying to get served in a tasting room.

On a larger scale, the question goes to whether or not we should make it easier for businesses to move into Westborough with zoning that lets businesses build or locate in specific issues “by right” instead of requiring a special permit.

In general, I support these efforts.

I understand the desire to prevent “bad actors” from moving into town and to encourage business development with those that appreciate and want to preserve what makes Westborough special. At the same time, we are competing with other towns in our area for commercial tenants and development. We need a balance.

With proactive zoning, we have restricted where adult entertainment and commercial cannabis businesses can locate (and we have opted out of commercial cannabis as a Town). We can do the same with casinos, sports betting (if this becomes legal in Mass.), and other businesses that might impact our community negatively. We can and should consider zoning restrictions based on the impacts and outcomes for certain industries and types of business.

For other businesses, we should be making it easier to locate and develop in our commercial and industrial zones. The site plan review process covers many of the same factors considered in the special permitting process, but moves through the various boards and commissions more quickly. Many of our commercial and industrial zones are away from residential areas.

Filling vacancies, new development, and redevelopment of these properties can increase our commercial tax base. Doing so by attracting businesses that generate higher levels of commercial real property and commercial personal property taxes, and will help reduce the business on our residential property owners.