Months worth of testimony about a proposal for agritourism at a lavender farm in Lower Towamensing Township may soon reach the finish line.

The township’s zoning hearing board will reconvene at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Aquashicola Fire Company over Quiet Hills Lavender Farm.

Another hearing may be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 29, but only if needed.

Lower Towamensing zoning officials have spent the last few months hearing testimony about a proposal for agritourism at the lavender farm.

About 30 people attended the most recent township zoning hearing board meeting held Dec. 9 at the Aquashicola Fire Company for the hearing that resumed after a two-month hiatus.

Christopher and Sheri Anthony are requesting to use Quiet Hills Lavender Farm, located 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, 2025 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. He says the change in use requires a permit.

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

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.

Township solicitor Jim 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.

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