Neighbors clash over proposed event venue in quiet community

Residents of a quiet neighborhood in Pennsylvania County voiced strong opposition during a recent government meeting regarding a proposed rezoning of a 3.8-acre property. The property owner, Miss Tooley, seeks to convert the land from a residential subdivision to an agricultural district, allowing for small events such as tea parties. However, neighbors expressed concerns about potential disruptions, loss of privacy, and increased traffic.

One resident highlighted the proximity of the proposed event space to their home, stating, “Imagine 75 people staring at you, trying to live your life.” Another neighbor, Deborah Dockery, emphasized the small size of their road, which lacks proper markings and is frequented by children and pets, raising fears of accidents with increased vehicle traffic from events.

Miss Tooley defended her proposal, clarifying that the events would be limited in scale and frequency, primarily consisting of small gatherings. She acknowledged the opposition but noted that some neighbors were supportive of her plans. “This is not going to be wild weddings or anything like this. This is small events for people to enjoy their friends,” she stated.

Despite the property owner’s reassurances, board members expressed hesitation about the potential impact on the community. Mr. Haidt, a board member, motioned to deny the rezoning request, citing the need to consider the concerns of the entire neighborhood. However, after further discussion, he agreed to postpone the decision for a month, encouraging Miss Tooley to engage with her neighbors to seek common ground.

The meeting underscored a broader tension between community interests and individual entrepreneurial aspirations, with some board members advocating for a more business-friendly approach. “If we’re serious about economic development... we’re going to have to have a paradigm shift,” one member remarked, emphasizing the need to balance community concerns with support for local businesses.

The board will revisit the rezoning request next month, allowing time for further dialogue between Miss Tooley and her neighbors.