An agritourism expert has testified that the owners of a family-owned and operated lavender farm in Lower Towamensing Township have exhibited exemplary qualities.

A zoning appeal by Quiet Hills Lavender Farm resumed on Tuesday at the Aquashicola Fire Company with about 50 in attendance for the three-hour session.

Christopher and Sheri Anthony are requesting to use their property at 1995 Hemlock St. for agritourism.

The dispute involves a building approved for agricultural use that township officials say has been expanded for public use without proper permits.

Chris Anthony resumed his testimony that began two hearings ago and noted that they have provided a list of agritourism uses proposed for the property.

Anthony said they had purchased a decibel meter to measure noise, and planned to operate within the hours until 10:30 p.m.

“It’s a nice, quiet place with a serene atmosphere,” Anthony said. “We’re hoping to be allowed to do what we have (on the list), and that a zoning permit can be issued to accommodate that.”

Anthony said lavender fields, coupled with the views and the unique products they make on the farm are what attract visitors to the location.

Agritourism

Susan Ryan, PhD, chairperson and professor, tourism hospitality and event management for the department of business, economics, and communication at Pennsylvania Western University, testified by Zoom.

Ryan said agritourism has prevented farmland from being purchased from urban sprawl.

She added that agritourism utilizes tourism as a mechanism for sustained community and economic development.

“I’m a very strong believer in agritourism,” Ryan said. “Agritourism does amazing things for rural communities.”

Township solicitor Jim Nanovic asked Ryan if she has any experience in interpreting zoning ordinances.

Nanovic noted that the zoning hearing board’s charge is to interpret the zoning ordinance and various issues that have been raised.

Ryan said she was there to speak to her interpretation of agritourism research she’s conducted.

She testified the list of uses the Anthonys have proposed for the property all qualify as agritourism activities.

Ryan visited the Anthonys’ farm, and was also present at the prior two zoning hearing board meetings.

She said they have displayed an “exemplary form of visitor management,” and added they have gone “above and beyond the duty of care.”

Nanovic then asked whether the Anthonys’ farm is a working farm or an agricultural plant. Ryan said it’s a working farm.

Residents’ questioned

Township zoning hearing board solicitor Holly Heintzelman said the matter in question is the activities, buffers and whether it’s a fit for the neighborhood, to which Ryan replied that the venue itself is not intrusive.

Nanovic pointed out the farm was likely to be used about 300 days a year, based on the proposed list of activities.

Resident Julie Everett, who lives on the next street, questioned the economic benefits of agritourism, and suggested that the economic benefit would probably not be to anyone in the neighborhood.

“Were you at the wedding they hosted on their property?”

Resident Steve Meining questioned what was meant by a small wedding.

The list of activities proposed by the Anthonys for private celebrations — indoor would be 24 per year with between 50 to 85 participants (small weddings, birthdays, showers, reunions, anniversaries, funeral wakes), while private celebrations — outdoor would be eight per year with between 50 to 135 participants (weddings).

The Anthonys argue agritourism is allowed in the zoning district and are appealing a Jan. 29 permit denial.

Plans changed

Zoning officer Duane Dellecker said the couple was issued a permit for a storage building but the use has since “morphed into extended uses” without approval.

The Anthonys say they were told they needed a land development plan but have heard nothing further. Township officials insist no septic permit was denied and no plan has been submitted.

Bucknum also challenged a township planning commission memo opposing the appeal, arguing it violated the Sunshine Act and overstepped its authority.

The farm, once used for religious retreats, was purchased by the couple in 2015.

Chris Anthony said an application was made to construct a 40-foot by 80-foot pole barn, which has since been constructed.

The primary use for the building would be agricultural, which is a permitted use in a rural conservation district.

Anthony said they have about 7,000 plants on the farm.

He said they already offer farm tours to guests. Other uses they would consider in addition to crafting classes, yoga, religious retreats, business meetings, birthday parties, anniversary parties, graduation ceremonies and weddings.

Anthony said they have conducted crafting classes, yoga, picnics and photography sessions in the lavender fields.

People who need to use restrooms are shuttled to the main building.

He said they have partnered with several local businesses that use some of their lavender products at their businesses.

The hearing is continued to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Aquashicola Fire Company.