MACON, Ga. — Monday could be a big day for the future of Macon's The Society Garden. It's when Macon Bibb's Planning and Zoning Commission will meet about how The Society Garden is allowed to operate moving forward.
In January, board members found the beer garden was bigger, louder, and open later than they were allowed to be.
Seth Fort said the venue's live music has kept him going back for years.
"Macon is known for its music scene. You know, that's one of the draws of this area," Fort said.
He decided to write a letter on The Society Garden's behalf when he heard planning and zoning members said the beer garden was violating zoning restrictions set in 2017.
"It's my favorite venue. With a growing market for family-friendly venues to relax and unwind, such as breweries and beer gardens, only a couple have really hit the mark like Society Garden has," he said.
He's not the only one who wrote a letter. 13WMAZ went through dozens of letters people wrote to planning and zoning- some with complaints about noise and parking, but mostly in support of the business.
We also spoke with a woman, Christine Guard, who did not want to go on camera but said she doesn't want The Society Garden to leave Macon; she just wants them to be a good neighbor.
In her letter, she wrote that the noise late at night was too much for her and her neighbors.
In 2017, the board approved the business for business for 50 outside seats and monthly concerts. Since then, their website has stated they hold weekly concerts and can seat 500 people.
Guard wrote in her letter that she hopes the commission is stricter moving forward with things like sound guidelines and their opening and closing times.
Fort just hopes this is just a hurdle the business can overcome.
"I think that they can absolutely work within the bounds of their zoning agreements. You know, they just need a little bit of grace," Fort said.
Back in January, 13WMAZ interviewed co-owner Brad Evans, who said he didn't know they needed to apply for expansions.
Monday's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Terminal Station. They'll decide if they'll allow the business to keep their expanded operations or keep them in the parameters set in 2017.