By Greg Ellison

(May 13, 2021) After hashing out details involving fencing, lighting and refuse containers, the Berlin Historic District Commission voted last week in support of establishing a community green space for special events and outdoor dining by the intersection of Gay and Jefferson streets.

Buzz Meadery owners Brett and Megan Hines presented a proposal to create the Berlin Commons on a triangle-shaped parcel bordered on either side by Gay and Jefferson.

“This isn’t a park with playgrounds,” Brett Hines said. “This is a park with picnic tables.”

Berlin residents since 2015, the Hines launched the Buzz Meadery last June and produce a “honey wine” averaging 6-8 percent of alcohol.

“One of the things we’re very proud of is that we source all of our honey, fruits and vegetables from local farmers,” Megan Hines said.

Development plans are indirectly related to the Hines’ existing business venture.

“Berlin Commons is not a tap house,” Brett Hines said.

The intent is to create a community green space open to the public on weekdays, with occasional special events on weekends.

“We would have events with local farmers and artisans,” he said. “We would like to have an art focus.”

Outside of weekend festivities, during the week the site would be available to the public as an open air dining location.

“We would not hold the town liable for anything,” he said.

In addition to highlighting a lack of outdoor dining spaces in Berlin, Brett Hines said food establishments in the area have suffered huge financial losses during the covid-19 pandemic.

“They supported us by having our mead served at their places,” he said. “Now we’re able to give their patrons a place where they can get takeout food from any number of restaurants.”

Additionally, the location would be available for residents looking to book a site for small gatherings.

Under the auspices of the Buzz Meadery, which is registered as a class four limited winery in Maryland, the location could be used for pre-approved special events.

“We’re allowed 32 special events per year,” he said. “The local liquor board doesn’t have any jurisdiction.”

Hines said each special event must receive state approval.

“We could target popular weekends [for] up to three-day long events,” he said.

Commission Chairwoman Carol Rose said since the Hines own the parcel they would be held accountable for maintaining the site and assuring surrounding neighbors aren’t disturbed.

“You would be responsible for those using the property,” she said. “If you purchased it in your corporate name, you’re responsible.”

Megan Hines said alcohol consumption would not be permitted at the site during the week, with planned oversight of weekend vendors and cameras installed for off-hours monitoring.

“We would install security cameras,” she said. “It should be an area that’s treasured and not trashed.”

Noting their residence is nearby on Bay Street, Megan Hines said the couple could quickly respond in the event of trouble.

“We would have gates stating the hours,” she said.

If warranted, locks could also be installed to limit off-hour or late-night access.

Brett Hines said the couple intends to handle property maintenance, with an abundance of friends and associates also offering assistance if required.

“We will try ourselves and plan on being there frequently,” he said. “If it gets out of hand, we’ll hire a professional service.”

Site plans call for 13 picnic tables, which Brett Hines aid could be slightly narrowed to allow patrons ample room.

In response to concerns over the inclusion of a portable restroom, Brett Hines said the apparatus would only be on site for large weekend events.

“We’re not necessarily planning on having a porta-potty there,” he said. “We could have a privacy fence to hide the dumpster.”

Hines said the parcel would also be enclosed by a wooden fence measuring 42-inches tall that would be painted to look aged and blend in with the existing décor.

Lighting would also be included, with timers set to shut off whenever was requested.

“We’re open to changing, amending or adding,” he said. “We don’t want to be a nuisance.”

Planning Director Dave Engelhart said nearly 100 emails were received in response to that evening’s hearing, with only a pair in opposition.

Engelhart said the site plan would require approval from the Berlin Planning Commission.

“This is like a precursor to that meeting,” he said

Brett Hines said the couple is aiming to open Berlin Commons by July 4.

Commission vice-chairman Robert Poli voiced support for the parcel plans.

“I’ve been here for 20 years now and this is a 1,000 percent improvement over that vacant lot,” he said.

Poli also recommended including details about intended uses on entrance signage.

“Maybe they will respect it more,” he said.

The Historic Planning Commission unanimously approved the proposal, with plans forwarded to the Planning Commission for further consideration.