Village Garden Food Truck Park in St. Augustine denied liquor license — again

The St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency has denied a third application by the Village Garden Food Truck Park to serve beer and wine on the premises. 

The Village Garden is located in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood at the intersection of State Road A1A and A1A Beach Boulevard, but some nearby residents complained that on-site alcohol consumption would change the neighborhood's character.

The special-use permit to allow for the sale of beer and wine was rejected by a 4-2 vote of the PZA Dec. 2.

In past interviews with The Record, Village Garden owners Kelly and Brendan Schneck have said making alcohol available was always part of the plan when they opened the food truck park in St. Augustine Beach in December 2018.

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The PZA approved the couple’s special permit in January 2018, but the County Commission later reversed it after hearing the concerns of two adjacent property owners.

Another permit, in 2019, was also denied. At that time, the commission found the request was “contrary to the public interest and in conflict with the surrounding development area," considering issues of traffic, safety and parking.

The Schnecks see it differently. In a text message to The Record Monday afternoon, Kelly Schneck said the property has always been part of a commercial corridor.

"Like most of St. Augustine, it backs into a residential area. …. It is absolutely compatible, and we meet all the necessary code and criteria," Schneck wrote. 

Schneck said she and her husband will appeal the decision to the County Commission.

"I know this board supports small businesses, especially after how hard hit we have all been from COVID," Schneck added.