Coralville council paves way for breweries in commercial areas

The Coralville City Council Tuesday night passed the first of three readings of an amendment that will allow for full-scale breweries in certain areas.

The amendment would allow for the production and sale of more than 650 gallons per day in C-2 commercial districts. There are no immediate plans for a brewery to open, but the city has received inquiries from a few operations recently.

The Iowa River Landing is an example of a C-2 commercial district. The development is designed to include upscale shopping, entertainment venues and restaurants.

Also Tuesday night, council members passed the first reading of an amendment that would make Coralville's taxicab regulations more closely resemble Iowa City's. It would increase the minimum number of taxis and drivers to four and require 24-hour dispatching from a business office location.

Companies also would have to provide service to the city at all times.

The proposal is in response to complaints received by the city about cabs refusing to take customers from Iowa City to Coralville late at night.

The council also set a public hearing for May 10 on the River Landing's West Parking Facility.