A Mahoning Township resident has appealed the zoning officer’s decision to grant a permit for a fence at the former Heintzelman’s Meat Market.

The township’s zoning hearing board was supposed to meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 on an application by attorney Holly Heintzelman.

However, the hearing has been continued, and no new date has yet to be chosen.

Heintzelman is appealing the July 9 decision by the zoning officer to approve a permit for about 600 feet of 4-foot-tall fencing at 124 Mahoning Drive East, next to her home.

She argues the permit was issued in error, citing an ordinance requiring corrals and outdoor animal confinement areas to be at least 200 feet from property lines or road rights of way. The installed fence, she said, is less than 20 feet from the line.

The controversy follows ongoing issues with Alif Farms LLC, which township officials said has been slaughtering goats at the property despite a violation notice.

At last month’s meeting, nearby resident Todd Wingert again complained that Alif Farms, 124 Mahoning Drive East, are “not very good neighbors.”

Carol Etheridge, of Twin Crest Drive, said last month that people toured the facility and confirmed animals were being slaughtered and sold there, not just processed. Heintzelman noted that Alif Farms sent attorneys from the Gross McGinley law firm to a supervisors meeting but questioned whether the company had filed a waste disposal plan or odor abatement plan, both required within 30 days of the violation notice. “They are well past” compliance, she said, asking if fines would be imposed.

Township solicitor Tom Nanovic replied the zoning officer could provide an update.

Supervisor Ron Reeser said he spoke with zoning officer Steven Wanner and added, “I think the wool was pulled over (township zoning officer’s) eyes. I think it should have been looked into better.”

Board Chairman Robert Slaw said the township must consider whether it could win a court case. Nanovic said he would discuss the matter with the board in executive session.

Attorney Adrian Cousens of Gross McGinley has appeared for Alif and was asked whether animals were stored overnight in a large white barn. Cousens said his client would stop the practice, but neighbors later showed video of animals being moved from the barn on Aug. 7. Nanovic said he would review the footage and share it with Cousens.

Neighbors also complained that Alif’s trucks sometimes block Route 902, extending into the Gypsy Hill Apartments driveway across the highway. Cousens said Alif was adding screening and fencing and noted USDA inspectors must be present during slaughter.

On June 10, LTL Consultants, the township’s code enforcement officer, issued a violation to the property owner. The notice cited livestock being kept on-site, a fence built without a permit, and slaughter operations conducted without a waste disposal plan, odor abatement plan, or Agriculture Department approval. Penalties could include up to $500 per violation plus court costs and attorney fees.

Alif Farms had 30 days to appeal the violation to the zoning hearing board. The property is owned by Alif Farms LLC, while Alif Meat Packing LLC runs the facility. The company advertises halal slaughtering services and live animal sales on its Facebook page.

The zoning officer granted permits to Alif Farms on Sept. 23 and Dec. 12 of last year. The owners have also invited the public to tour the facility.