A pair of local residents are hoping to create and operate a new local microbrewery in downtown Pella.

Betsy Duffy and Mindi Vanden Bosch have proposed the launch of Gezellig Brewing Company. Gezellig is a Dutch word most commonly connected to the word “cozy” in English, and the business intends to provide a space to gather people of all ages, and operate as part microbrewery, part restaurant.

However, Pella’s Central Business District zoning currently does not allow brewpubs or microbreweries in the downtown area. The Pella City Council will review a zoning change request as an ordinance and public hearing tentatively at their March 20th meeting, which would allow their operation with a special use permit, if approved after three readings.

An online petition is circulating from supporters of the project.