Politics & Government
Middletown Township OK's Linvilla Conditional Use Application
Council voted unanimously in favor of the request.
approved conditional use application, which allows the owners to expand their business inside the greenhouse building.
Council members voted unanimously in favor of the application during the regular meeting on Monday. The vote followed a public hearing led by Tim Sullivan, an attorney and member of the Township’s Sewer Authority.
Currently, the greenhouse may only be used for plant materials due to a 1992 agreement between Linvilla and the township. The agreement limited what type of business could be carried in the greenhouse building, which was built in 2007 after the octagonal barn burned down in 2001.
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Sullivan said Linvilla would like to use the greenhouse as a meeting spot for group tours, as well as a location for special events and demonstrations during inclement weather in the colder months. The octagonal barn was once used for similar purposes.
“Busses of students, teachers and civic groups will come in," Sullivan said. "We’d like to use it as a gathering place for a little talk before taking them on the tour."
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Sullivan added that Linvilla Orchards wants to host demonstrations during events such as the strawberry and peach festivals, in addition to creating another mini golf course, similar to in years past, with educational displays and “museum quality exhibits.”
“We are trying to get people to Linvilla," said Sullivan. "We want people to have a habit of bringing their families to Linvilla all year long."
Council member Norman Shropshire said the board supports the request by Linvilla and said they don’t want to restrict the business in any way.
“All we’re asking for is the spirit of cooperation and spirit of sharing information,” said Shropshire.
Township resident John Bartholomew inquired about increased traffic that often comes with the special events.
“I’ve witnessed people almost getting killed,” he said, regarding the congestion.
Council members requested the owners put up special event or warning signs to get motorists to slow down.
