CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – At an informal meeting held on Monday, August 5, the County Commission discussed a request to rezone land in Cunningham for the construction of a craft distillery.
CZ-11-2019, seeks to rezone 22.4 acres of land on Marion Road for agriculture commercial use. This is the second attempt to have the land rezoned. The County Commission voted not to approve the rezoning three and a half years ago.
William Witkowski, a former employee of MB Roland Distillery and prospective owner, answered questions for commissioners. According to Witkowski, his distillery would produce approximately 10 barrels of whiskey each week, equating to 450 barrels a year. He further clarified that, unlike other local distilleries that host public events and tastings, his distillery would not be open to the public.
Witkowski voiced his intent to buy Montgomery County corn for use in his distillery, roughly 100 acres annually. After the corn has been distilled, Witkowski hopes to donate it to local farmers as livestock feed.
Commissioners voiced concern about traffic on Marion Road. Witkowski said he has spoken with TDOT about reducing the speed limit in front of the lot by 10 miles as well as providing a location for Montgomery County law enforcement to park cruisers there.
Further concern was directed toward the propagation of whiskey fungus, which feeds off ethanol, and the risk of fire. Witkowski claimed that such problems are largely limited to large scale operations, such as Jack Daniels, and are not a threat to small, craft distilleries. He further promised to install modern safety features such as heat sensors and a sprinkler system should he be permitted to build his distillery.
Residents of Marion Road voiced their concerns, suggesting the distillery does not meet the qualifications of agriculture and would be better suited for an industrial area. Others spoke in favor of of the project and its potential to generate business.
A petition signed by approximately 300 Cunningham residents in opposition to the request was presented to the Commission.
“I think that we are making a big squabble over somebody that is trying to live the American Dream,” said Commissioner Joe Smith.
The Regional Planning Commission voted against recommending the rezoning for approval based on the decision of the County Commission in 2015. The Montgomery County Commission will vote on CZ-11-2019 at their next formal meeting, along with several other rezoning applications.