HOWELL – Local farmers expressed mounting frustration at the most recent Township Council meeting. Ordinances that would have allowed them to host events on their farms were set for approval on May 21. However, the meeting was cancelled due to opposition from Eagle Oaks Golf Club.
The farming community is demanding answers after providing input on the ordinances that were scheduled for adoption. Many farmers already had plans for special events to supplement their income. The proposed ordinances would have allowed for administrative approval – rather than the expense of going through traditional zoning or planning board processes.
“I feel very disappointed by the way the farmers are being treated,” said Elaine Taylor, Chairperson of the Farmers Advisory Board. “I feel like there’s a lack of communication with what’s going on now. I know there was a problem with Eagle Oaks and we’re not sure what the problems are.”
Taylor suggested that officials meet with the farmers to let them know the current status of the proposed ordinances. The farmers would also like to work together to craft any future ordinances that will impact the farming community. Taylor estimated that there are over 300 farms within Howell.
“I think it’s really important for everyone to know how vital the farming community is,” Taylor added. “And, how and what they contribute to the community.”
The letter from the attorney representing Eagle Oaks requested that the “governing body take into account that the proposed regulations would put established and lawful banquet operations at an unfair competitive disadvantage to the operations that the proposed ordinance would enable.”
Theresa Reid from Beyond Organic Growers said she felt like they were being treated like a “bunch of dumb women farmers.” Reid said that actions speak louder than words and that she needed township officials to do more than talking about making allowances for the special events. She needed to host special events to supplement the farm’s income and pay winter bills.
Reid quickly dismissed the idea that any of the local farms would take business away from Eagle Oaks.
“They’re a country club and throw events all year round,” said Reid. “We’re not hurting them.”
Township officials say the issue goes deeper than concerns about competition. Mayor Theresa Berger emphasized that members of the governing body weren’t equating farm events to those held at the country club. A strong supporter of the local farm community, Berger maintained it was the council’s obligation to consider potential liability issues.
The mayor cited concerns about safety and health issues, including suitable access to the farm. She also had questions about bringing in food for parties and issues that would normally involve the Board of Health.
“My understanding of their (Eagle Oaks) complaint was that they had to go through the planning stages,” added Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell. “And the site reviews to do what they are doing.”
Matt Howard, Director of Community Development and Land Use Officer, said he met with Eagle Oaks and listened to the issues posed by their representatives.
“They pointed out that our process and our ordinances were not forcing the jumping through hoops that they had to go through,” said Howard. “And we’re missing the mark on health and safety.”
Township Manager Joseph Clark reiterated that the communication from Eagle Oaks was not about the competition – but about the process. He emphasized that nothing was stopping farmers from going to the planning board for site plan approval or to the zoning board for use variance for non-permitted uses.
“What we’re trying to do with your help is to create a set of ordinances,” Clark continued. “To carve out exceptions to that process – and that allows a more streamlined point of access into that market for the farms.”
Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel, the owner of Squankum Brook Farm, told the governing body she felt officials were not transparent with the farming community. She also voiced concerns about misunderstandings about the differences between special events and farming events.
“We are in the process of circling up with governing body members individually so we can come up with a path forward,” said Velez-Gimbel. “It should be noted that many of their (Eagle Oaks) objections are based on things we warned about when trying to draft these ordinances.”
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