Oakland Towhship Board of Trustees listen to public comment regarding the Rochester Cider Mill
Two More Weeks
The Barkham Family, owners of the Rochester Cider Mill, and their attorney, Eric Lipson, have been attending Oakland Township Board of Trustee meetings since January. Their hope is to convince the board to agree to amend a 1987 court ordered consent agreement on the operation of the property.
The cider mill is residential property and falls into a void of neither being a commercially zoned business nor a working farm. The 1987 agreement limits the owners’ use of the space. After several meetings with the township, the board decided to table their decision for two weeks.
Proposed Changes at the Rochester Cider Mill
Eric Lipson, Attorney for Rochester Cider Mill, addresses the Board of Trustees meeting on April 8, 2014 in Oakland Township
Eric Lipson addressed the crowd of over 100 residents with a summary of the changes. The Barkham Family would like the cider mill to be considered a “special use” space; and to be a conforming use with normal business activities allowed.
As proposed, these changes would allow the cider mill to move from a seasonal business to year-round, with hours of operation from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. They would also be able to sell farm produce and related produces typical for a cider mill operation.
Rochester Cider Mill Attorney, Eric Lipson, asks those opposed to changes to stand, about 20 out of 100
Renovations to improve the customer experience and to meet local, state and federal guidelines to operate the cider mill are also in the agreement changes. Currently, the court order limits renovations the Barkham Family can make and does not consider laws and regulations regarding the operation. This makes it difficult for the business to stay in compliance to operate.
Additionally, the cider mill would like to offer a tasting room for wine, beer and other distilled products. Hard cider is a popular trend many cider mills are now including to offer. Agricultural demonstrations could also become part of business plan.
Opposing Front of Neighbors
Michael Sugameli, Attorney representing a group of Oakland Township residents, lists concerns of neighbors opposed to the changes
Every single person that spoke at the meeting is in favor of the cider mill. However, about 20 percent in attendance would like the cider mill to stay as is. While flexible on some of the changes, the nearby cider mill neighbors are mostly concerned with the offering of alcoholic beverages on site.
Michael Sugameli, attorney for the group of neighbors opposing the amendment, suggests these changes would essentially make the property commercial. He questioned the idea of needing studies regarding noise, dust and traffic concerns that may come from a year-round business. He also echoed the major concern of alcohol being made on site; and suggested it may create problems for the community, such as patrons consuming alcohol and driving in the area. The amendment is “too vague,” said Sugameli, and he warned the board it would be “setting precedence” for other residential businesses.
The Board Will Decide
Part of the two-week wait will address the concerns from the Tuesday meeting and include a meeting of all the attorneys involved. Many residents spoke and most had nice comments about the Barkham Family. It seems everyone wants the cider mill to continue. The Barkham Family requires ways to bring in additional revenue and suggests that without these changes they will not be able to continue to operate. Those opposed, see the cider mill business as seasonal and feel it should stay as is. The Oakland Township Board of Trustees has the power to make these changes happen and all parties are eager for the decision in two weeks.
