MILTON, Ga. — Two long-running issues, regulating farm wineries and finding ball fields for youngsters, reached milestones at the Milton City Council meeting April 8.
The City Council voted to deny an alcohol beverage license for D’Rose Vintners and adjusted course on the search for active park space.
The farm winery saga, involving Jim and Daryn Rosenberger’s property at 13555 Blakmaral Ln. and surrounding residents in the Providence Planation neighborhood, saw its first public hearing for an alcohol license.
The applicant approached city staff about the licensing process for a farm winery and rural event facility in 2020. The rezoning of the property, from community unit plan to an agricultural designation, occurred in May 2021, two weeks before the city-wide moratorium on farm wineries.
When surrounding neighbors found out about the Rosenberger’s plan for a winery in October 2023, they organized opposition to an alcohol license in their neighborhood over a six-month period. To visit the property, guests must drive through Providence Plantation.
Familiar voices on the issue, Jeff and Sarah Moen, Gary and Jessica Buxton, Brian and Jessica Eidex and Craig Franklin, spoke about their opposition to an alcohol license and farm winery in their neighborhood at the meeting.
Brian Eidex said the city and applicant caused the problem when they misrepresented the rezoning application to neighbors in spring 2021.
“Realize that what the lawyer is doing when he gets an opinion is speculating on the success of two potential lawsuits and giving an opinion on which one has greater chance,” Eidex said. “If you think this is just a legal matter please reconsider.”
Out of more than 40 public comments at the public hearing, six residents were in favor of issuing the alcohol license.
Notably, Rosenberger’s next-door neighbor on…
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