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An amendment to one of the city’s redevelopment plans that would allow a microbrewery to set up shop on Main Street got the Asbury Park City Council’s initial stamp of approval.

The business, Dark City Brewing Co., has a lease signed on a roughly 3,000 square-foot space at the corner of Main Street and Second Avenue, within the city’s Main Street redevelopment zone.

The zone does allow for light industrial use, which is what the business is classified as, but those businesses cannot front Main Street. Business owners seek an amendment to the plan that would allow them to operate a 15-table tasting room that fronts the Main Street portion of the building. The actual production area would be in the rear portion of the building.

Patrons would enter the brewery from the Main Street side and, in conjunction with a tour of the facility, be able to enjoy some limited on-site consumption during public access hours between Thursday and Sunday, according to Kevin Kennedy, an attorney for the owners.

City council members granted preliminary approval in a 5-0 vote at the Nov. 12 council meeting. The city’s planning board must also approve the change.

The brewery will feature several specialty craft beers, mostly ales, according to head brewer Kevin Sharpe, who is exited about the prospect of being part of the city’s storied history. Dark City Brewing would be the city’s very first microbrewery. The name of the company gives a nod to the nickname it earned in the post-riot days of the 1970s.

“It is the most incredible feeling, I can’t even describe it,” he said. “I wanted to do this to pay tribute to the city and it’s history, and to contribute by being the city’s first microbrewery is the most awesome feeling.

Council members expressed enthusiasm that more business owners are choosing to open in a location outside of the normally sought-after downtown and boardwalk areas in the city.

“I’m pleased that we are looking at a different side of the city as we expand into other corridors [in need of development],” said Mayor Myra Campbell. “I am excited about it.”

“A brewery right next to my fave coffee place is heaven,” said Councilwoman Sue Henderson. The Asbury Park roastery is adjacent to the brewery on Second Avenue. As the city shifts focus to other areas in need of development, it is nice that they are starting to see that movement take hold, she said.

“And I think it will be a nice addition to the city,” Henderson said.

Councilwoman Quinn inquired about odors the brewery would emit due to the fermentation process, but Kennedy said owners would are taking steps to mitigate the smell.

Besides Sharpe, 27, the company will operate with about three to four employees.

His work as a full-time brewer started as a hobby after a stint of unemployment five years ago, and that hobby quickly evolved to being an obsession, he said.

The microbrewery would distribute to local bars as well, Kennedy said. As per state guidelines, no food would be served on-site.

Dark City will likely serve as a catalyst to future businesses and would increase foot traffic in the area, Kennedy said.

The brewery is also subject to state and federal approvla processes. Although it would be ideal for the brewery to open by the summer season, Sharpe said it is more likely to open around October or November of 2015.

For more information and updates, visit facebook.com/DarkCityBrewingCo.

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