Medina’s winery regs go to county for review

MEDINA – Changes in the village code and zoning for wineries and microbreweries will go to the Orleans County Planning Board for review.

The Village Planning Board has suggested several changes to make the village ordinance more friendly to allow the businesses.

The Village Planning Board approved the changes last month that welcomes wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies. The Village Board will have the final vote but not after a public hearing and the review from the County Planning Board.

No winery has presented a proposal for a project, but Code Enforcement Officer Martin Busch said there are interested parties in the projects in the downtown area.

The current village code doesn’t prohibit the projects, but doesn’t say they are an allowed use in the Downtown Historic District. Spelling out the projects in the zoning will make it easier for the projects to become a reality, Busch said.

The Village Planning Board is recommending they be allowed, although the owner of the businesses will need to secure a Special Use Permit. That will give the village more say in the operations.

The Planning Board doesn’t want to limit those businesses to the downtown. They would also be allowed in the General Business District as well as the Light Industrial and Industrial Zones.

The changes will go before the County Planning Board on May 22.

Village officials see potential in Medina for wineries and breweries because the Niagara Wine Trail has been extended from Niagara County through Orleans and to Rochester. Medina is now central located along the trail.