The township has officiallly reversed their previous zoning restrictions which allows us to operate fully once again. This outcome arrived because so many of you stood by the farm through a difficult period of uncertainty. We must remain attentive to local policies in the future but for now our focus …
April 27, 2019
Final supporters
For most of 2018, we, here at Tabora Farms, 1104 Upper Stump Road, Chalfont, Bucks County, PA, were embattled in a Hilltown Township zoning issue. The Hilltown Supervisors refused to meet with us, insisting that its Zoning Board render a decision on matters pertaining to our farm. After many months of testimony presented by both sides, the Zoning Board came to a decision mid December. In a nutshell, the highlights of the decision were:
- The bakery, store, and deli will remain as is.
- The winery where we sell local Buckingham Valley Vineyard wine and Frecon Farms hard cider needs to be removed.
- Outdoor events will be curtailed. Only agriculturally based events will be permitted.
- Live music permitted will be limited to certain times of day and can only include an acoustic guitarist or two.
- We no longer are permitted to do the following: Weddings, Mothers' and Fathers' Day Brunches, Movie Nights, Cake Bingo, Firefly Festival, Irish Festival, Horse Drawn sleigh rides, Halloween attractions
- A water management system will need to be put in place in the front apple tree block near the road, thus forcing us to remove dozens of healthy producing apple trees.
- The apartment above the bakery will be vacated and transformed back into a break room and offices.
- Plus more.....
As you can see we have given up a lot. We respect the Zoning Board and their diligence in reviewing testimony and although the decision rendered in December was not all that we wanted, we accepted it. We knew that we would have to modify our business to be sure we would be able to generate enough revenue to pay our staff and bills for the business, and most importantly to be able to provide for our four children. Last year was extremely difficult with attorney meetings, Township meetings, and many long hours of gathering all the evidence and testimony needed to prove our value, with the future of Tabora uncertain. When the meeting December 13th concluded, we were so relieved and thankful that we could move on and start recovering from such a detrimental year.
To our shock, on January 28, 2019, the Hilltown Board of Supervisors motioned to appeal the ruling of their own, hand selected Zoning Board in an effort to take more from Tabora Farms, essentially depleting a young hard working farming family of their finances, motivation, and spirit. The Supervisors want to continue the unnecessary saga that is draining this small family farm that so many of you love. We need your help.
The most unfortunate part of this is farms just 5 miles away, and in other surrounding townships, are protected to grow their farms and provide entertainment to welcome the community in. Here in Hilltown, agriculture and farm events are not supported or respected by the supervisors.
Let's send a message. Let Tabora move on. Let the Torrice family move on with their life. Let Tabora continue to be the family run, community centered business of Hilltown.
Thank you sincerely,
Caleb, Patricia, Brody, Molly, Jack, and Grace Torrice
Updates
Reached 5,000 supporters
February 14, 2019
Reached 1,000 supporters
February 9, 2019
Reached 100 supporters
February 9, 2019
February 6, 2019
Reaching one thousand signatures will demonstrate a depth of community support that is difficult for local officials to ignore. Please consider sending this link to a few people who understand the value of our farm to this region. Maintaining this momentum is the most effective way to ensure our concerns are taken seriously.
3,104 Comments
Tabora Farms has been a family tradition of ours for many years. We've had so many happy memories here from weekly bread runs and holiday fun to my daughters recent bridal shower and I am in full support of the Torrice family and their wonderful farm.
I work down the street, and visit Tabora just about weekly. We have witnessed first hand the work they have put into their business. They are willing to change things to right the wrongs mentioned, why can’t we just let it be and see what happens?!
This is not the Hilltown I raised my family in for 32 years. But one thing rings true. Sneaky backroom politics. Hilltown grew because of the farming community and friendly people. Now you want to create the same burgs that people are moving away from.
The Torrice family has negotiated and complied with the Hilltown Zoning Board’s requests. But Hilltown Township still isn’t satisfied?? What more do they want?? And are Hilltown Township residents happy with how their tax money is being spent??
I frequent Tabora farms, I come from out of county and bring revenue to your area by shopping. I also bring other people along. Taking away from this wonderful family farm will definitely keep me my extended family and friends away from your area!!
Stop trying to put this farm out of business and instead help them and Your community. Get your greedy heads out of your asses
I really think government needs to keep out of private farming and local business. You guys need to do your jobs fix roads, fix, potholes, etc. Leave the farmers alone.
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The township has officiallly reversed their previous zoning restrictions which allows us to operate fully once again. This outcome arrived because so many of you stood by the farm through a difficult period of uncertainty. We must remain attentive to local policies in the future but for now our focus …
April 27, 2019
Final supporters
For most of 2018, we, here at Tabora Farms, 1104 Upper Stump Road, Chalfont, Bucks County, PA, were embattled in a Hilltown Township zoning issue. The Hilltown Supervisors refused to meet with us, insisting that its Zoning Board render a decision on matters pertaining to our farm. After many months of testimony presented by both sides, the Zoning Board came to a decision mid December. In a nutshell, the highlights of the decision were:
- The bakery, store, and deli will remain as is.
- The winery where we sell local Buckingham Valley Vineyard wine and Frecon Farms hard cider needs to be removed.
- Outdoor events will be curtailed. Only agriculturally based events will be permitted.
- Live music permitted will be limited to certain times of day and can only include an acoustic guitarist or two.
- We no longer are permitted to do the following: Weddings, Mothers' and Fathers' Day Brunches, Movie Nights, Cake Bingo, Firefly Festival, Irish Festival, Horse Drawn sleigh rides, Halloween attractions
- A water management system will need to be put in place in the front apple tree block near the road, thus forcing us to remove dozens of healthy producing apple trees.
- The apartment above the bakery will be vacated and transformed back into a break room and offices.
- Plus more.....
As you can see we have given up a lot. We respect the Zoning Board and their diligence in reviewing testimony and although the decision rendered in December was not all that we wanted, we accepted it. We knew that we would have to modify our business to be sure we would be able to generate enough revenue to pay our staff and bills for the business, and most importantly to be able to provide for our four children. Last year was extremely difficult with attorney meetings, Township meetings, and many long hours of gathering all the evidence and testimony needed to prove our value, with the future of Tabora uncertain. When the meeting December 13th concluded, we were so relieved and thankful that we could move on and start recovering from such a detrimental year.
To our shock, on January 28, 2019, the Hilltown Board of Supervisors motioned to appeal the ruling of their own, hand selected Zoning Board in an effort to take more from Tabora Farms, essentially depleting a young hard working farming family of their finances, motivation, and spirit. The Supervisors want to continue the unnecessary saga that is draining this small family farm that so many of you love. We need your help.
The most unfortunate part of this is farms just 5 miles away, and in other surrounding townships, are protected to grow their farms and provide entertainment to welcome the community in. Here in Hilltown, agriculture and farm events are not supported or respected by the supervisors.
Let's send a message. Let Tabora move on. Let the Torrice family move on with their life. Let Tabora continue to be the family run, community centered business of Hilltown.
Thank you sincerely,
Caleb, Patricia, Brody, Molly, Jack, and Grace Torrice
Updates
Reached 5,000 supporters
February 14, 2019
Reached 1,000 supporters
February 9, 2019
Reached 100 supporters
February 9, 2019
February 6, 2019
Reaching one thousand signatures will demonstrate a depth of community support that is difficult for local officials to ignore. Please consider sending this link to a few people who understand the value of our farm to this region. Maintaining this momentum is the most effective way to ensure our concerns are taken seriously.
3,104 Comments
We only recently moved to this township. Tabora Farms is already one of our favorite spots here! We were so looking forward to spring, summer, and fall activities. This is all disappointing news. We need family run businesses like Tabora to remain.
Tabora Farms has been a family tradition of ours for many years. We've had so many happy memories here from weekly bread runs and holiday fun to my daughters recent bridal shower and I am in full support of the Torrice family and their wonderful farm.
I work down the street, and visit Tabora just about weekly. We have witnessed first hand the work they have put into their business. They are willing to change things to right the wrongs mentioned, why can’t we just let it be and see what happens?!
This is not the Hilltown I raised my family in for 32 years. But one thing rings true. Sneaky backroom politics. Hilltown grew because of the farming community and friendly people. Now you want to create the same burgs that people are moving away from.
The Torrice family has negotiated and complied with the Hilltown Zoning Board’s requests. But Hilltown Township still isn’t satisfied?? What more do they want?? And are Hilltown Township residents happy with how their tax money is being spent??
I frequent Tabora farms, I come from out of county and bring revenue to your area by shopping. I also bring other people along. Taking away from this wonderful family farm will definitely keep me my extended family and friends away from your area!!
Stop trying to put this farm out of business and instead help them and Your community. Get your greedy heads out of your asses
I really think government needs to keep out of private farming and local business. You guys need to do your jobs fix roads, fix, potholes, etc. Leave the farmers alone.
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We only recently moved to this township. Tabora Farms is already one of our favorite spots here! We were so looking forward to spring, summer, and fall activities. This is all disappointing news. We need family run businesses like Tabora to remain.