Concord Township approves Penwoods Winery land‑development plan with limits on parking, hours and outdoor music

Concord Township Council approved a preliminary/final land‑development plan for Penwoods Winery on June 3, 2025, imposing 32 conditions that set parking limits, require state and local permits, and restrict certain outdoor activities tied to the winery’s expansion.

The measures matter because neighbors had urged the council to block the project over traffic, noise and alleged violations of steep‑slope and parking rules, while the applicant and its consultants said the operation fits within existing, lawful uses and offered engineering changes and design details to address town concerns.

Attorney Michael D. Fiorentino, who said he represents seven nearby residents, told the council the expansion would be “very detrimental to the public interest,” listing traffic, parking overflow, safety for people walking along Beaver Valley Road, and loss of quiet enjoyment as chief complaints. Fiorentino argued the plan places a proposed seepage bed and other improvements on steep slopes and cited provisions of the township code he said were not met, including buffer, paving and parking standards. He also cited the township nuisance ordinance, saying amplified music from events has created a regular disturbance for his clients.

Resident Charlene Emblett presented photographs, drone images and counts she said document heavy use and parking on and adjacent to the winery property. Emblett told the council the aerial photos from a recent Mother’s Day event showed “316” vehicles on or adjacent to the site, and she said she had counted 65 music events listed on the venue’s schedule from May through October.

The applicant’s attorney, Mr. Petroza, and the project engineer, Michael…