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component" is being expanded for agricultural industry, noting the rationale in the <br />memorandum is that the components of sugar cane and fruit fields are being implemented <br />into the project but that it seems far beyond components such as packing houses and <br />stockyards. Mr. Sweeney responded by saying he doesn't feel the allowance is being <br />expanded, noting the scale of the project being a 900 acre farm that is devoting 180 acres <br />to the distillery and production operation. Mr. Polackwich asked if alcohol could be served <br />on the site. Mr. Sweeney said he was unsure and that the issue of whether or not spirits <br />can be served on site is determined by State law. Mr. Sweeney noted that if the site were <br />to try to operate as a bar it would be considered a completely different use and would no <br />longer be considered an agricultural industry as it is under the current proposal. The <br />condition of whether or not to allow served alcohol was discussed. <br />Mr. Phil Matson clarified the proposal before the commission is not for a bar but for an <br />agritourism type industry. Mr. DeBraal reiterated that any activity taking place on site <br />would have to be related to the approved industry and pointed out that a bar is a <br />commercial business with specific zoning regulations that would not be allowed in an <br />agriculturally zoned area. In response to concern about the planned guest and <br />entertainment areas, Mr. Sweeney explained the intent is to entertain guests and clients <br />of the distillery business. <br />Chairman Day opened the item for public comment. <br />Mr. Leo Gibson spoke and explained he has worked for Mr. Bhakta for ten years. Mr. <br />Gibson said they currently have a similar farm based distillery in Vermont and explained <br />the business is a processed food crop. In regard to the housing proposed, Mr. Gibson <br />explained it would be for marketing associates and stockholders to show them the product <br />and operation of the farm. Mr. Gibson said their product will be at an ultra-high price point <br />and described the distillery as a smaller farm -based distillation operation that will have an <br />onsite tasting room. Mr. Gibson explained they have a small scale vision of preserving <br />the farm and catering to an upscale clientele. Mr. Gibson said that the operation doesn't <br />require a large number of employees and that in terms of the residential units planned, <br />expansion is not anticipated. Mr. Gibson encouraged the commissioners to visit the <br />Whistle Pig Farm in Shoreham, Vermont to see their farm in operation. <br />Mr. Mucher asked about the existing use of the property. Mr. Gibson responded that they <br />currently have some cattle and gave some history of the lands use and previous owners. <br />Mr. Polackwich asked if the distilling process produces any odor. Mr. Gibson said very <br />little, and that would probably not be detectible outside of the boundaries of the farm. <br />Resident Lex Kromhout spoke and said that he is not opposed to what is planned but that <br />he shares some of the concerns expressed by the commissioners. Mr. Kromhout asked <br />what would happen with the special exception if the crop could not meet the needs of the <br />distillery, for example, if the sugar cane crop froze. Mr. Kromhout also expressed concern <br />about odors asked if constraints should be set in place if it were to become a problem. In <br />regard to the guest houses, Mr. Kromhout noted they would be about '/4 mile from his <br />property. Mr. Kromhout expressed concern about his continued peaceful enjoyment of <br />PZC Unapproved Draft Minutes 2 April 28, 2022 Attachment 1 <br />178 <br />