Quint Forgey and Jordan L McBride

The News Journal

The Constitution Yards Beer Garden in Wilmington was given another temporary license on Monday — and a promise from the state alcohol commissioner that a decision on a longer permit will come by next week.

The outdoor gathering spot in the 300 block of Justison Street has been operating under various "daily gathering licenses" from the state Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control since opening in June.

The beer garden has raised concerns from some neighbors who have complained about noise and parking issues, prompting the state office to hold a hearing earlier this month. The situation has raised the possibility the bureau will take issue with the operator's request for a two-year license.

The nonprofit Riverfront Development Corporation, which oversees the beer garden and other beautification efforts along the Wilmington Riverfront, applied for the beer garden's most recent extension Friday evening. It extends the operation to July 26.

“We’re obviously pleased that the commissioner is willing to let us continue to operate until he makes his final ruling on the biennial license,” said RDC Acting Executive Director Megan McGlinchey.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner John Cordrey is promising to grant or deny the venue's request for a two-year license by that date, potentially putting the beer garden out of business. He said he's already made up his mind and is drafting his final decision with the help of the Delaware Attorney General's office before going public.

Cordrey has been mulling over his decision on the two-year license since the contentious public hearing between the RDC and opponents of the beer garden on July 7.

"We have other issues that are to be heard every day and we try to do the best we can to make a good and informed decision," Cordrey said.

The Homeowners Association for the Condominiums at Justison Landing, a development adjacent to Constitution Yards, opposes the beer garden.

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Several business and restaurant owners across the city are supportive of the venue's presence on the Riverfront.

"Anything that brings more people to Wilmington, we are in favor of,” said Joe Van Horn, an operating partner at Chelsea Tavern on Market Street.

Venu Gaddamidi, owner of Veritas Wine and Craft Beer on Justison Street, also backs the beer garden, located across the street from his store.

Gaddamidi said Constitution Yards has been good for his business and seems to be drawing more visitors to the Riverfront area.

“We’ve seen an increase in foot traffic at a time of year that can be like a ghost town,” he said. "It’s cool to have something like this where a mother and father are pushing their kid in a stroller and hanging out in Wilmington. We’re actually making progress.”

If the application for a two-year license is denied before July 26, Cordrey said, the beer garden will be forced to close immediately.

In that case, McGlinchey said, the RDC will appeal the commissioner's ruling.

Contact Quint Forgey at bforgey@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @QuintForgey.