A continued public hearing for agritourism in Lower Towamensing Township has been moved to accommodate a larger number of residents.

The township’s zoning hearing board will hold the hearing on the request of Christopher and Sheri Anthony to use property located at 1995 Hemlock St. for agritourism at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Aquashicola Fire Company.

Resident Steve Meining brought the matter up at Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting. He asked if the township was leaning toward doing something with noise control concerning Quiet Hills Lavender Farm.

“I just see the noise problems becoming bigger and bigger,” Meining said. “Right now I don’t think we have a really good method.”

Meining added that if it were to go through, he sees it becoming similar to Blue Mountain Resort in that it could look to host some kind of new event every week.

“The majority of us want peace and quiet in the township,” he said. “That’s the last thing people of the township want.”

Meining suggested that the zoning hearing continued from July 31 be moved to the fire company.

About 75 people packed the township’s administration building for the hearing. Many were sworn in but never received a chance to testify.

The dispute centers on a building originally permitted for agricultural use that the township says has expanded into public uses without proper approval.

The legal counsel for Quiet Hills Lavender Farm said agritourism is a permitted use in the zoning district.

Quiet Hills Lavender Farm owners Chris and Sheri Anthony filed an appeal, challenging the zoning officer’s Jan. 29 permit denial and requesting alternate relief.

Duane Dellecker, zoning and code enforcement officer, said, “They were issued a permit for a storage building for them to deal with their lavender, making their oils, and at the time it was not a public building, (but it) has since morphed into extended uses and we’re not aware of those uses.”

Chris Anthony previously said they received a building permit in January 2024, but were later told by an engineer that their septic permit was denied and a land development plan was needed. He said they had not heard from the township since.

Nanovic and other officials said no plan has been submitted and that the township has not denied their septic permit. Chris Anthony was the only witness to testify during the 2½ hour hearing.

Anthony said they planted lavender in 2017 and now welcome hundreds of visitors.

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

He 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.

Anthony 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.

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

Anthony said the lavender farm is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and added there is plenty of room on the property for parking.