Proposed Ithaca beer garden may be named ‘The Local’

ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — A new spot to drink could be coming to Ithaca.

Plans are under review for a distillery and beer garden on the city’s west side. Applicant Rich John says the business would be at the old Taber Street Auto building.

“I bought it in pretty rugged condition, and my plan is to renovate the building to bring it to a far more energy-efficient and functional, clean condition,” he says.

He’s considering calling it ‘The Local’ because it would feature beers from New York.

Ithaca Planning Board member Emily Petrina calls the project “super exciting.”