Plans to transform a building on Lafayette Avenue into a small brewery cleared a major hurdle Wednesday.

Buffalo's Zoning Board approved a variance to allow a team of investors to set up a neighborhood-based nanobrewery at 13 Lafayette Ave. near Niagara Street. Nanobreweries, which are even smaller than popular microbreweries, are popping up across the country.

Community Beer Works wants to turn a building that served as a storehouse and office for a malting company a century ago into a facility that would produce an estimated 6,000 gallons of beer in its first year. Within five years, the brewers aim to produce 34,000 gallons annually.

While project planners still need state and federal approvals, they viewed the zoning variance as critical.

"We now feel comfortable going forward with the purchasing of equipment," said Ethan A. Cox, a partner in Community Beer Works.

Wednesday's approval also will pave the way for closing the purchase of the property, he said.

Only one neighborhood resident turned out for a hearing in City Hall, and he expressed support for the project.

Peter Sowiski, who lives next door to the building that would become a nanobrewery, told The Buffalo News that sponsors have done an excellent job addressing concerns, including possible odors. Sowiski said the project also was discussed at a recent block club meeting.

"[Project sponsors] provided pretty good answers," he said. "There seemed to be generally favorable reaction from people at the block club meeting."

The brewery would be located on the first floor of the structure, space that is currently used for storage. Two apartments on the second floor would remain. Sowiski said the property has been for sale for a long time, and residents are eager to see "positive development" at the site.

One issue raised by the Zoning Board involved how the brewery would dispose of waste. Project organizers explained that the spent grain would be removed daily and used by urban gardeners as mulch. In addition, steps are being taken to encourage urban farmers to grow hops for use in the beer-making operation.

The company plans to sell its beer to some local bars and also will sell it by the growler to individuals who visit the site. The Zoning Board attached a condition to its approval, saying retail operations must be conducted between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Zoning Board Chairman James A. Lewis said he is intrigued by the nanobrewery.

"It's different, and it's innovative," he said. "They're working hand in hand with the urban farming community. It seems like a win-win situation."

The Common Council member who represents the neighborhood where the nanobrewery would be established said the plans have been embraced by the neighborhood. Niagara representative David A. Rivera said no one has contacted him to express opposition.

Community Beer Works comprises nine people with backgrounds ranging from home brewing and marketing to architecture. It has ambitious plans, hoping to open a series of nanobreweries in other neighborhoods over the next decade.

bmeyer@buffnews.comnull