HOWELL – Cheryl Questore came to the most recent Township Council meeting with what she considered a simple request. She’d like local officials to make it legal for a local farm to host her daughter’s bridal shower this summer.
Describing The Herbary as “stunning,” Questore emphasized her fondness for the rural community and its agricultural landscapes. Notably, her husband owns a construction company in Howell and there’s no doubt Questore also prefers keeping business local.
“As responsible people and homeowners, I would not even attempt to have a bridal shower in a place that I didn’t think was able to house enough people,” said Questore. “And at this time, we’ve been told they’re not able to hold events.”
When Questore learned that local officials were considering an ordinance that might allow special events up to 30 people, she decided to appeal to the governing body. The number just wasn’t enough to accommodate her family and friends prepared to shower her daughter with love before her wedding celebration.
Her request sparked a broader discussion. Questore’s comments marked the first instance of a potential client expressing disappointment at limitations on using local farms for special events. However, it’s by no means the first time that township officials have heard from members of the farm community about changing rules regarding allowances for special events – including Ron and Susan Springer, who own the Herbary at Bear Creek Farm.
The Springers spoke at two recent meetings with Township Manager Joe Clark and Director of Community Development and Land Use Officer Matt Howard. Without additional revenue from special events, they may have to shut down.
“We have a lot of families that come to our farm,” shared Ron. “It’s not only a destination where people come with their kids or dogs. We have over 5,000 people that signed a petition that really want to see this thing work.”
Ron implored the town to work quickly on coming up with a plan that would allow the special events to take place soon. He figures he has another ten years before he’s ready to retire and would like to spend them enjoying his life on the farm.
The governing body was scheduled to introduce three separate ordinances at the end of last year. However, the farm community pointed out some issues they had with the proposed local laws. The Howell Farmers Unite group’s discussions with Clark and Howard have not resulted in a change that has the farmers thinking their chances of survival are better.
Farmers always have the option of seeking variances, a time consuming procedure that also costs a lot of money. In their quest to help the farmers, local officials hoped to create the first local ordinance of a kind in the state – one that allows Howard to grant administrative approval for events meeting certain criteria. The biggest obstacle appears to be a debate on the size of the events that could go forward with just administrative approval.
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
“You would need to go to the Planning Board for site approval just like any other use for the bigger events,” Howard said. “Let’s face it – this is a commercial use, and you will need site plan approval.”
Howard said the administration was not comfortable with doing permits for 80-100 people. The town was willing to allow up to 30 people but not more than that.
Earlier this month, a collaborative effort by the Howell Farmers Advisory Committee and Howell Farmers United resulted in a seven-page letter submitted to Township Manager Joe Clark. The letter outlines proposed adjustments to the township’s draft farm ordinances.
Key requests include revisions to the definitions of “farms” and “farm-related special events.” Notably, the farmers seek to exclude activities protected under the Right to Farm Act from being categorized as special events requiring permits.
Additionally, the letter proposes an increase in guest capacity for “Small Scale Farm Related Special Events.” The current ordinance restricts such events to 30 attendees, while the farmers advocate for a limit of 100 guests.
“We strongly disagree with this proposed regulation because this restrictive approach stifles growth and sustainability and represents more government intervention than necessary to achieve the town’s objectives,” the farmers wrote. “Most importantly, this places undue financial hardship and conflicts with the intentions of the governing body of the State of NJ, who envisioned fostering sustainability and viability in the Right to Farm Act and the Agricultural Retention and Development Act.”
Other revision requests included allocating parking spots for every 3 or 4 guests rather than 2 guests, as farm venues holding events tend to attract families.
The issue of fees appears to be another issue among farmers who are already experiencing undue hardship.
“The Governing Body maintained after a great opposition that the limit of 30 guests was a number they were comfortable with,” said Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel, the owner of Squankum Brook Farm. “When asked for supporting data, the same was repeated. We respectfully request the township ordinance regarding the number of guests be consistent with the Master Plan of April 2022.”
Juliana Orduna said she and her sister own the Garden Gift Shop on Fairfield Road. They are hoping to ultimately give bee tours for children to learn about them. She’s not sure if she’ll be able to add this as an educational component to her farm.
Some of the concerns on administrative approval include logistical hurdles like ingress and egress, bathroom facilities, septic system capacity, and the need for commercial kitchens for certain events.
Another key issue raised is the potential exclusion of public hearings for events deemed “administrative approvals.” Property owners have the right to be heard before planning or zoning boards for any changes within 200 feet. Nonetheless, government officials seem in favor of helping the farmers earn additional revenue.
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
“This would be amazing,” said Mayor Theresa Berger. “It would bring so many people into the town and bring amazing revenue into the farms. If there’s something that we can do legally and correctly, we should put it ahead of something else if we had that opportunity.”
Clark said that he and Howard are already in discussions with the town’s land use attorneys to make sure they’re able to do what they want to do. However, he said the idea that Howard could sign off on a permit for 100-200 people events didn’t seem feasible.
Councilman Fred Gasior agreed that coming up with a reasonable solution should be made a priority.
“I know you’re reaching out to our attorneys, and it really takes a while for them to get back to you,” he said. “But I think it’s really time we did something.”
“We all agree that this is a major priority,” summed up Berger.
The Howell Farmers United maintains a Facebook page that provides updates to pressing issues within the local farm community.
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