Hearing Delayed For Backer Farm Brewery Proposal In Mendham

MENDHAM, NJ — The ongoing process to convert a local preserved farm into a farm-based brewer will have to wait even longer now that the public hearing has been postponed yet again.

After months of waiting, the Morris County Agriculture Development Board scheduled a virtual hearing on the farm's proposal for a brewery and tasting room on Aug. 11, but it was canceled.

Backer Farm has been seeking permission to establish a brewery operation on their property, which currently has produce and livestock. The farm's plan was approved by the Mendham Township Zoning Board of Adjustment in Feb. 2022 with a 5-2 vote.

Backer Farm has been planning the public hearing for months, and it will be used to provide an overview of the application and introduce their witnesses, Frank Pinto, Backer Farm's project manager and project spokesperson.

The reason for the delay, according to Katherine Coyle, Director of the Morris County Agriculture Development Board, is that the Morris County Agriculture Development Board needed time to review additional information that was submitted.

Coyle stated that the board is now awaiting additional information from the applicant.

The application has caused concern within the community about potential noise, overflow parking, and the possibility of late hours. These items were all expected to be addressed during the public hearing.

"Backer Farm intends to comply with the NJDEP noise standards and has already retained an acoustical engineer to measure noise levels and assist in planning to ensure compliance with legal noise limits. We also live on the property and across the street and enjoy our peace and tranquility as much as anyone," Backer said.

Backer claims that the farm will grow crops for beer production as well as brew and package the beer on-site. Customers will be able to learn about the beer-making process, tour the farm, sample beer, and purchase beer for on- or off-site consumption in the dairy barn's indoor and outdoor public areas.

To view Backer Farm's application on the county's website, click here and here for the County Agriculture Development Board meeting agendas and schedule.

According to Coyle, the hearing will also not be rescheduled for the next meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 1, and no new date has been set.