KINGMAN – Several downtown Kingman property owners objected when the city council approved a proposed grain silo for the Rickety Cricket brewery operation on Beale St. Owner Terry Thomson sought an encroachment permit to place the 31-foot-tall structure that can store up to 55,000 pounds of grain on a portion of the public sidewalk.
Thomson answered questions, expressed pride in the success of his business and bristled at the blowback.
“If we’re not at all proud of what I’ve built downtown, then I’m fighting the wrong battle right now,” Thomson said. “The grain silo is one more additional cost that Rickety Cricket needs to put Kingman on a bigger map in the micro-brewing industry and that’s what I am here to do.”
Opponents expressed concerns ranging from public safety to grain-seeking rodents and pests. Council member David Wayt said he believed Thomson adequately addressed the issues at hand and Vice Mayor Travis Lingenfelter said all relevant matters had been vetted satisfactorily.
Members Deana Nelson and Ken Watkins dissented in the 4-2 vote approving Thomson’s encroachment permit.
