The Four Directions, Our Center for the Arts and Healing, has been notified by the local Township as not being properly zoned for many of the kinds of events and programs we have been having here and hope to continue. The beautiful property here has already been grandfathered in for certain activities as a "pre-exitsing non-conforming use", meaning that it has been used continually for such (by my aunt, Eliza Miller, and her partner, Janet deCoux, before there were zoning laws and that similar events have been continued by me since their passing).

The Township Zoning Officer has indivated that we are only allowed to have the kinds of "arts" that Eliza Miller and Janet deCoux had (meaning, only the material arts, such as sculpture, pottery, painting, etc.) and that other things such as music, dance, yoga, spiritual modalities and the like are not considered or permitted as "arts".

We will be appealing this notice at a public hearing in front of the Township's Board of Zoning and their members on July 15th. We will appeal legally by way of "interpretation", meaning that the Township does not have any interpretation or mention of what is already grandfathered in as an "art studio" or "art exhibit", etc. We will also present evidence that many different kinds of art, including dance and music, as well as many spiritual events have been continuously held here since the 1940's.

If you would be so kind to sign this petition, indicating that you support The Four Directions Center and its purpose and want us to be able to host the kinds of events we have planned, we would be most appreciative. You can see the kinds of events that we are planning on our website at http://thefourdirections.org where you can also download our brochure for more information.

Many Thanks in Advance,

Peter Shefler
Founder and Director,
The Four Directions

Web: www.thefourdirections.org
Email: healingartsevents@gmail.com