Church to Object to Michigan Brewing Co. License

According to a church newsletter, Fenton United Methodist Church officials plan to say not so fast to Michigan Brewing Co.’s desired license.

The church’s March 27 newsletter stated:

“Fire Hall Update...  A tremendous amount of effort has gone into our decision to object, as a congregation, to a liquor license application at the neighboring Fire hall by the Michigan Brewing Co."

The newsletter does not indicate exactly why the church, which is located across the street, from the brewery is proposing to protest its existence. But it did allude to a survey that helped officials come to its decision.

According to the newsletter, "FUMC survey results were published in the bulletin and were received by Fenton City officials.  All of which resulted in our decision to object to the State.  As of today, no knowledge of a license application has been submitted, so our formal response is pending until one is actually received."

The newsletter also indicated a group had met several times to discuss the topic and had discussed the issue with city of Fenton officials.

According to the newsletter, "Meetings were held on at least four occasions attended by heads of our Administrative, Trustee and Staff-Parish Committees together with our Pastors and Lay Leader.  Our Ad Board special representative, Jim Austin has attended all of the aforementioned, presented an update from the pulpit, spoke with DDA representative Craig Schmidt numerous times while communicating while concurrently communicating with the Mayor and City Manager."

Fenton United Methodist Church and Michigan Brewing Company officials did not immediately return phone messages.

Fenton Downtown Development Authority director Michael Burns said officials have “suspected” the church might object to the license.

Burns said Michigan Brewing Company has requested licenses for a microbrewery and a micro distillery. He said the state is investigating the request and to his knowledge the church has not filed anything formally.

According to law, church’s may object a license if the establishment is within 500 feet.

“We have not determined if its 500 feet. It may not be,” Burns said.

Burns said there have been several meeting with church officials.

“From our understanding they have been supportive of this,” Burns said.

He said it was also his understanding that the church held a survey for the congregation that was in favor of Michigan Brewing Company.

Burns said officials will continue with business as usual.

“We are moving forward no matter what,” he said. “I’m confident this is going to happen.”

The old Fenton fire hall is located at 201 South Leroy St., while the church is located across the street at 119 South Leroy Street.

In a press conference last week, Michigan Brewing Company president Bobby Mason said there wouldn’t begin much work until the company obtained necessary licenses from the state are granted. Mason expects that to take three or four months.

Also in the press conference, brewer/general manager Bill Tadrick said there are no plans to feature live entertainment, and the establishment is likely to close at 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends. Tadrick also said the company would be sensitive to activities at the adjacent .

“We want to be very respectful to the Fenton community and the church because of the proximity,” Tadrick said during last week’s press conference.

The company expects to spend more than $1 million in renovations to the building and open by July of 2012.

The deal between Michigan Brewing Company and the city of Fenton to lease the building for $1 a year for seven years and then buy it for $1. Fenton Downtown Development Authority Director Michael Burns said the lease is to protect the city in case the establishment goes out of business. The group will also receive up to $400,000 from the DDA toward the estimated $1.35 million in renovations required to bring the building up to standards. The DDA plans to provide half the money at the beginning of the project and the other half at the end.