Brewpub Meets Approval in Westbrook, Anticipates Spring Opening
Coming to Westbrook in the spring of 2022: Coastline Brewing Company. The Planning Commission as well as the Zoning Commission have approved an application to convert old medical offices located at 4 Grove Beach Road North into a brewpub.
The application filed by applicant Richard Lemieux seeks to turn vacant medical offices into a 2,500-square-foot brewery with about 80 seats indoors and an additional 24 seats outdoors. The facility will manufacture and distribute beer, cider, and seltzers. Lemieux told the Planning Commission on July 12 the facility was not planning on having food but would work with other restaurants in the area so as to not take business from them.
The location is adjacent The Saloon and across the street from Lenny & Joes and Dairy Queen and close by to numerous other new and established restaurants.
“We don’t want to take any business away from, them we want to help them and they help us, too,” Lemieux said.
Lemieux, who told the Planning Commission he was one of three members associated with the project, suggested the possibility of even collaborating with the business on things like beer names.
A statement of use document signed by Lemieux states that the pub will be open from 2 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.
“There are no intentions for any live outdoor entertainment. Our intention is to collaborate with and compliment the surrounding local businesses and create a welcoming warm environment for residents and visitors alike. It is our intention to make Coastline Brewing a staple destination for years to come in the town of Westbrook,” the document states in part.
“We’re looking to put some life in that area,” Lemieux said to the Planning Commission . “We’d like to be a part of the community.”
The commission had questions about the lighting and Lemieux said existing lighting will remain but they may add two more lights that shine down toward the ground. The lighting should not affect the outdoor seating area. The commission also asked the applicant to clarify that the parking spaces are shared between several spaces.
The Zoning Commission unanimously ruled that the application was consistent with the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development.
At a public hearing on July 26, no members of the public spoke for against the project and the Zoning Commission unanimously approved the application.
A website for the development has been set up at coastlinebrewingcompany.godaddysites.com. The website says the target opening date is spring 2022.