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Board tables Cooper Farm "Woodlands" events venue request, asks for detailed operations plan
Summary
The board tabled BATS, Inc./Cooper Farm's request to operate weddings, farm‑to‑table dinners and other events on family farmland until the applicant submits specifics including hours, sign size, parking/lighting and septic capacity; neighbors had raised concerns about prior events, traffic safety and environmental impacts.
The LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals tabled Oct. 21 a petition by BATS, Inc. (operating as the Woodlands at Cooper Farm) seeking a variance to operate small events, weddings and dinners on family farmland at 11341 West Snyder Road.
Owner Natalie Cooper told the board the farm is a long‑held family property and that limited events and farm‑to‑table dinners have been used to generate revenue to preserve the land. Cooper said she had permits submitted and inspections in process for certain improvements and that the venue had hosted a small number of events. Neighbors, including Nick Mercles and others, said events already appear to be operating, raised concerns about the number of attendees advertised online, cited safety issues on Snyder Road, questioned building permits and septic capacity, and alleged environmental impacts on nearby Reynolds Creek.
Board members told Cooper they needed a specific written plan identifying hours and days of operation, sign dimensions, parking and lighting plans, event capacity, restroom/septic arrangements, and evidence of required permits and inspections. The board voted to table the petition until next month and asked Cooper to work with the Building Department to assemble documentation before returning.
