Concerns about Alif Farms’ meat operation were again raised before Mahoning Township supervisors recently.

Neighbor Holly Heintzelman asked whether Alif Farms has applied for any permit or plans to hold another festival like last year, which she said sparked the complaints.

Heintzelman said she believes this year’s festival is planned for May 27-29, noting those are school days.

Township zoning officer Ryan Wessner told Heintzelman that he does not believe a permit would be required, explaining the slaughterhouse use applies to the parcel itself. Heintzelman argued the permit only allows operation as a slaughterhouse, and that additional activities could be considered a nonconforming use.

“When you invite people from different states, then you’re having a festival,” Heintzelman said. “They were doing more than just slaughtering animals.”

Wessner disagreed. “I don’t think you’re correct,” he said. “The use is a slaughterhouse.”

He said he will check into the matter.

Pat Seyfried, of Palmerton, asked about complaints submitted to the township and whether they are public. Board Chair Deb McGowan said they are included in supervisors’ packets. Seyfried criticized the township’s handling of the situation.

“Right here we have an opportunity to address something that is not being (addressed),” Seyfried said. “I would hope that this would be a priority in your thinking, not just this instance, but down the road.”

The discussion followed the removal of a disputed fence at the site after owner Moeed Malik attended the March meeting. Nearby property owner Todd Wingert has previously complained about odors, loose goats and garbage buildup. Supervisor Mark Schwalm said that he visited the property and found the garbage to be “basic” and properly handled.

One resident said the slaughterhouse should never have been permitted next to homes. Malik said he has approached neighboring property owners about buying their homes, prompting Heintzelman to respond that he never offered a price and that, “They’re never selling to him.”

Malik also denied Wingert’s claim that a goat recently escaped. “There hasn’t been a goat on the run in the last 10 to 12 months,” he said, adding that if false information was being spread, he would sue.