Last night, Jan. 22, Asheville City Council approved New Belgium's brewery in the River District as well as funding for sidewalk improvements and a study of alternate truck routes to address concerns of some residents about the traffic the business will bring. Early this morning, New Belgium released the following statement:

New Belgium Brewing Statement
re: Asheville City Council Meeting 1/22/13

“We are very pleased with city council’s decision to allow the site renovation and construction phase of the project to move forward,” said New Belgium’s Asheville General Manager, Jay Richardson. “This could not have happened without the collaboration and input of many individuals and organizations, but I want to specifically call out the City of Asheville team, City Council, The Asheville-Buncombe County EDC and the many neighborhood and business associations who advised along the way. We have been welcomed and we have been challenged throughout this process and that makes us do our best work. We wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jay Richardson
Asheville General Manager
New Belgium Brewing

New Belgium will continue to meet regularly with neighborhood and business associations adjacent to the site throughout the process. A public open house is tentatively scheduled in February. For a complete schedule of upcoming events and FAQ’s please visit http://www.newbelgium.com/asheville.

About New Belgium Brewing Company

New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit http://www.newbelgium.com.