Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Border Dispute topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors and vineyard negotiate alternate border planting after delayed arborvitae installation
Summary
The commission heard from Tranquility Vineyards’ attorney that required arborvitae plantings were delayed by winter; a neighbor objected, a lawsuit was withdrawn for lack of standing, and the vineyard agreed to work with the bordering neighbor on an alternative planting plan to present July 2, 2026.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on June 4 added an agenda item and discussed a dispute over the planting of a border between Tranquility Vineyards and adjacent Whittemore‑area property.
Chairman Terry Smith summarized the approvals and conditions tied to the vineyard and said the commission had required a line of arborvitaes along the property line as a condition of approval. Attorney Michael McVerry, representing Tranquility Estates and Tranquility Vineyards, told the commission the original approval called for planting by the prior fall but that a harsh winter delayed work and the vineyard had asked for an extension. McVerry said the vineyard had planned to plant arborvitaes but a neighbor (Ms. Whittemore) objected and had sent a letter; another neighbor (Ms. Barton) had filed a lawsuit that was withdrawn because she lacked standing.
McVerry said the vineyard initially planned arborvitaes "6 feet on center" but that spacing was too close; the vineyard consulted a professional and proposed native alternative plantings. He told the commission that Mr. Jiménez, the vineyard interest, "is willing to work with Ms. Whittemore for an alternative solution to an arborvitae border." The chairman asked that a planting plan be submitted to the commission by the July 2 meeting.
No enforcement action or new permit was issued on June 4; the commission directed the parties to present a plan to resolve the border dispute at the next meeting.
