Vineyard expansion vote set for Dec. 6

Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, Route 546 and Scotch Road

By John Tredrea
   Whether Sergio Neri will get the use variance he needs to construct a two-level building at his Yard Road winery is expected to be the first order of business for the Hopewell Township Zoning Board of Adjustment at its Dec. 6 meeting.
   The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, Route 546 and Scotch Road.
   Mr. Neri wants to use the proposed building for wine storage and catered events, such as wedding receptions. The building would have a seating capacity of 200.
   The board spent more than four hours on the matter Nov. 1, which marked the third meeting on the controversial application. Inside the crowded municipal auditorium were about a dozen people wearing stickers saying "No Hopewell Vineyard Restaurant Hall."
   The last thing the board decided, shortly before midnight, was to postpone the vote until Dec. 6, to give board members time to study their notes and think the matter over.
   If granted by the zoning board, the variance would permit Mr. Neri to construct a 6,250-square-foot basement for indoor storage of wine barrels. The ground floor, also 6,250 square feet, would include more storage space, restrooms, a food preparation area and space for catered events, such as art shows, indoor music concerts, banquets, wedding receptions, seminars, wine tasting and similar events.
   The building could be used six days a week if the application is approved, but could not hold more than three weddings per week.
   Hopewell Valley Vineyards wines would be the only alcoholic beverages served or permitted on the premises.
   Opposed by many neighbors, the Neri application has been backed by the township’s Agricultural Advisory Committee.
   Neighbors fear added traffic and are concerned that some of the vehicles leaving the site could be driven by individuals who had become intoxicated at weddings and other events held at the vineyard.
   Granting a use variance requires a two-thirds majority vote of a full Zoning Board of Adjustment. The board is composed of nine members.