CLEARFIELD – A proposed winery in Lawrence Township got the green light for an occupancy permit that was initially denied.
In April, Joseph E. and Joseph R Kendrick proposed to open a winery on 525 Carbon Mine Road. They learned at a public meeting from Code Enforcement Officer Agatha Lauder-English that the permit application was denied, and that the notice was in the mail. She cited that the area is zoned Rural Agricultural, and that liquor/spirit production and retail sale are not covered in that zoning district.
The Kendricks’ next step was to apeal that decision, which led to the Lawrence Township Zoning Hearing Board coming together on Wednesday night. The question before the board was whether the proposed usage was permitted in a home occupancy.
Joseph E. Kendrick stated that it was necessary and needed in the township and county. He noted that Curwensville, Luthersburg, St. Marys and other communities in the region have wineries.
“Guess who doesn’t? Clearfield.”
He stated that wine making is considered an agri-business at both the state and federal levels. He said they would produce about 50,000 bottles of wine yearly. He touched on the economic impact the winery and gift shop would have, including tax dollars to the township and the tourism money that follows wineries. He also indicated that they would like to open retail satellites within two years of opening.
Board member Nancy Yeager asked if they had a license from the PLCB. Joseph E. answered that they had applied, but once the initial denial came through from the township, they cancelled the application. Board Solicitor Kim Kesner indicated that the state does not like to grant licenses or permits without the entity first getting local acceptance.
Randy Powell asked what equipment they had set up. Joseph E. answered that they had the ability to produce about 2,000 gallons currently, but indicated they were waiting for the board’s decision to move forward on full production.
The board broke for roughly a half-hour before coming back and unanimously granting the Kendricks’ request.
