Thornbury considers outdoor eating ordinance

By Catherine Sutton-Martin, Correspondent

Thornbury Township Supervisor Chair James Raith and Supervisor J.P. Kelly faced a full meeting room, Oct. 17, to discuss an amendment to the Zoning Code that would allow seasonal outdoor eating for restaurants in the township. Supervisor Sheri Perkins was absent.

According to Raith, presently there are two restaurants in the township that could accommodate outdoor eating, with a potential for more on a 165-acre site on Route 202.

The proposed amendment would require an establishment to apply for a "site-specific conditional use" before Supervisors. It also requires a minimum of a 42-inch-high enclosure around the seating area, that could be covered or partially covered (tables with umbrellas), cannot be fully enclosed, could only operate between April 1 and Oct. 31, must be compatible with the rest of the building and landscaping, have security lighting, cannot have outdoor speakers, heaters or fire places or fire pits, and gives supervisors the authority to be restrictive.

A requirement that Raith wants included in the proposal is an "annual review," so that if there are violations or too many complaints, the "conditional use" could be revoked. However, if supervisors rejected or refused an applicant after a "conditional use hearing," the applicant could appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.

Several residents wondered why the township would consider allowing "outdoor eating," after "the people who live here fought for a ban on outdoor eating."

Raith said there had been a lot of interest by residents and establishments.

A Thornton resident, who lives across the street from the former Pace 1, asked what a resident should do if "potential" violations occurred.

Raith said the township should be notified and citations would be issued; however, should a situation become "abusive, call the State Police.

An Andover resident said he was against the proposal, noting his property was near Duffer's and he cannot enjoy his back yard since he can hear the music and voices. He also noted that the restaurant may be in violation of township ordinances regarding "sodium lights, banners on the building and the van parked on 352."

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Thornbury considers outdoor eating ordinance