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Home » Valentine's Day » Debate over agricultural commerce “brewing” in the town of Geneva

Debate over agricultural commerce “brewing” in the town of Geneva

Some brewery and winery owners in the town of Geneva are worried about potentially losing the revenue from hosting events and festivals at their properties.


On Tuesday, the Geneva Town Board is expected to schedule a public hearing on a proposal to amend the town zoning code covering agricultural commerce. Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti told us the change is not intended to allow any new activities, but is designed to codify the type of events that have already been taking place.

Town seeks to clarify what is agricultural tourism


Here is the agenda item for Tuesday’s meeting:

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Geneva, after due deliberation, finds it in the best interests of the Town to schedule a public hearing to solicit public comment upon a proposed Local Law Amending Chapter 165 (Zoning) of the Town of Geneva and the Penalty Provisions Applicable to Chapter 165; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Geneva has reviewed the draft of the aforementioned proposed Local Law attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and deems it in the best interests of the Town of Geneva to proceed under the Code of the Town of Geneva and the Laws of the State of New York in adopting said Local Law,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be, and she hereby is, directed to schedule a public hearing to be held on May 26, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at the Geneva Town Hall, 3750 County Road 6, Geneva, New York.


Brewery Ardennes owner Derek Edinger says the zoning code didn’t make clear what businesses like his are allowed to do.

Edinger is one of some business owners asking residents to sign a petition in favor of the ag zoning change.

Finger Lakes Partners (Billboard)

Listen to my full Pintcast conversation with Brewery Ardennes owners Derek and Stacey Edinger below.