The City of Pella will be considering a request to rezone downtown Pella to allow "cocktail lounges". This would allow the opportunity for upscale brewpubs and craft brew houses to be located downtown. Businesses like The Cellar Peanut Pub have expressed interest in coming to Pella but this hurdle is one that needs to be crossed.

When you consider the impact businesses like The Cellar Peanut Pub (Oskaloosa) and Peace Tree Brewing (Knoxville) have had in their communities, as well as the growth of the craft brewing industry in Iowa, it's easy to understand why there has been a groundswell of support.

Adding the opportunity for these businesses also helps Pella attract people to the community, both as visitors and residents. Both Peace Tree Brewing and Cellar Peanut Pub are seen as "destination hotspots" for craft brew lovers, many coming from hours away to soak up their local Iowa charm. Having these locations also helps attract young adults considering careers at many of Pella's local large employers as entertainment options are important in their decision making.

While Pella residents should contact their City Council Members and Zone & Planning Committee Members, we're asking everyone in support of this measure to sign this petition to show that both the community, and potential visitors are behind it. We hope to provide this information to the City Council for their review as they prepare their vote.