After conducting a public hearing on proposed text amendments to the county zoning ordinance regarding agritourism and agricultural land uses, the Calvert County Planning Commission decided to defer any action and accept additional testimony. The hearing was held Wednesday, Oct. 17 as part of the planning commission’s monthly meeting.
“I think we have more homework to do,” said commission member Roxanne Riddle Cumberland.
The deferral came after several of the citizens who spoke criticized the proposals as being too restrictive.
One proposed amendment would allow more than two public events on farmland per calendar year if certain conditions are met. The current definition of events on farmlands would be revised to include weddings, performing arts and corporate parties.
Much of the opposition for restricting events on farms came from the owners and supporters of two Barstow area agriculture ventures—Running Hare Vineyard and Spider Hall Farm.
Barbara Scarborough, who owns and operates Running Hare with her husband Mike, told the planning commission the commercial winery constructed a building on the 300-acre farm in order to address the clamor for a special events venue in Calvert. Furthermore, the vineyard has hosted a variety of nonprofit fundraisers, including several for the organization Pets With Disabilities.
“This event is huge,” said Joyce Darrell of Pets With Disabilities. “This brings many people to Calvert County.”
“Running Hare Vineyard is one of the best places in the county,” said Terry Westervelt, who opined that the way the amendment was worded is “taking away the fun in this county. We work hard and we need
