Jun 13, 2024 By Paul Paterra 3 min read

A conditional use application for a microbrewery was unanimously approved by Canonsburg council Monday.

The motion for the microbrewery at 409 Perry Como Ave. and 546 Euclid Ave. in the borough’s east end at the previous site of Dukis Food Market was approved with conditions pertaining to securing off-site parking.

Discussions about the business were held over a number of months before Monday’s approval.

Residents had raised concerns about noise, hours of operation, clientele and parking issues.

“He met all of the requirements,” said council President Rich Russo. “It’s zoned appropriately. They had one big hurdle to get over, which was parking. The lot didn’t have enough parking, but he was able to secure some off-site parking which remedied that.”

Harold Close, one of three owners of the business, is ready to move forward with the business.

“I’m glad we can once again bring a new business to Canonsburg,” said Close, who has other business dealings with the borough. “This one had some challenges since it’s in an area that appears to be a residential area, but it’s actually a mixed-use district.”

Close said borough regulations were changed in 2021 to include microbreweries in the mixed- use zoning district.

To address the parking issue, Close said additional spots are available with the removal of one third of the building and a former house in the area, plus a deal was worked out for satellite parking near Sarris Candies.

“That was our way of going above and beyond and conforming with the ordinance to make it palatable for everybody,” Close said.

He hopes the business, to be named Harry E. Hopskin’s, will be open in January.

“There’s a real need, in our opinion, for places that serve non-alcoholic beverages, like those called mocktails,” Close said, adding that beer will also be brewed at the facility. “People love the social interaction of a bar-restaurant environment and they don’t drink alcohol. We think that people are really going to enjoy having that social experience that a lot of people who don’t drink alcohol are looking for.”

Close also said the business will offer a different style of food than is typically served at a bar.

“This is not a late-night stop,” he said. “Microbreweries now increase property values around them. They’re becoming trendier and trendier. We’re going to be bringing in some new employees and a tax base. We feel it’s a win-win for everybody. “

Council also awarded contracts for sewer rehabilitation and paving projects.

The contract for sewer rehabilitation was awarded to State Pipe Services of Cranberry Township for $416,751.25, while paving contracts went to A. Folino Construction in Oakmont for $400,572.80.

Areas to be addressed are Duquesne and Arlington avenues, Franklin Street, the parking lot at Canonsburg VFW Post 191 at Canonsburg Town Park and the public works parking lot.

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