After several month’s worth of hearings, a zoning appeal by the owners of a family-owned and operated lavender farm in Lower Towamensing Township heard remarks from a township resident.

About 30 people attended the township zoning hearing’s board meeting held Tuesday at the Aquashicola Fire Company for the hearing that resumed after a two-month plus hiatus.

The zoning hearing board once again met on a zoning appeal by Quiet Hills Lavender Farm, where 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.

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

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.

During testimony, Dellecker said he’s spent the past 38 years as zoning officer, and has been building code officer for 21 years.

Zoning hearing board solicitor Holly Heintzelman asked Dellecker that if in the township a change of use of property is requested, would it require a permit, to which Dellecker said it does.

Dellecker said he would be fine with some of the activities, such as crafting classes, soap-making, photography, painting, seasonal farm events, and public farm visits.

“Half of the things on the list, I consider to be typically or reasonably associated,” Dellecker said.

The Anthonys’ attorney noted that they have letters of support from the public who side with the farm.

However, zoning hearing board solicitor James Ord explained that it holds no weight if they are from another state and don’t reside in the township.

The Anthony’s attorney, Susan Bucknum, then asked if there’s been a predetermination already made by the board.

After several hearings on the topic, the first township resident who had the opportunity to speak was Steve Meining, who serves on the township’s planning commission.

Meining said he’s gotten to know Sheri Anthony’s parents, whom he said are huge supporters of veterans, “and their contributions are greatly appreciated.”

He said about 38 years ago, he moved to his current home on Carpenter Lane, and that it was “the perfect location to live.”

After serving in the Vietnam War, he was diagnosed with having post-traumatic stress disorder.

Meining pleaded with the zoning hearing board to not allow the farm to turn into a bad decision.

He said that in the spring of 2024, the barn was built, and he has never seen a barn built as a Taj Mahal, “and this comes really close to it.”

Meining then questioned that if the Anthonys’ weren’t planning on holding large concerts, why would they have 188 parking spots.

Further, he said trees along the farm’s property lines have not protected neighbors’ from the noise.

Meining then offered several recommendations to the zoning hearing board.

Zoning hearing board member Keith George asked Meining if he’s noticed any impact.

“I cannot say I’ve had any issues with what’s been going on,” Meining said. “If things were kept quiet, I have not heard any noises so far.”

At that point, it was decided that the hearing would be continued at a later date when the Aquashicola Fire Company is available to accommodate it.

Previous testimony

Up until Tuesday’s hearing, only testimony from Christopher Anthony and an agritourism expert had been presented.

The agritourism expert testified that the Anthonys have displayed an “exemplary form of visitor management” at the site.

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

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

The farm, once used for religious retreats, was purchased by the couple in 2015. They later constructed a 40-foot by 80-foot pole barn, which is primarily used for agricultural, a permitted use in a rural conservation district.

Anthony said they have about 7,000 plants on the farm and offer tours to guests.

Other uses the Anthonys 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.