Acme man cited by zoning office
BULLSKIN TWP. – The Fayette County Zoning office has once again cited a feed mill owner that has been ordered by the court to stop holding outdoor rock concerts on his 150-acre parcel as well as using it to operate a non-denominational church. William D. Pritts of Box 370, Bear Rocks Road, Acme, has been using the property, zoned A-1 (agricultural), to hold rock concerts in addition to now housing the Church of Universal Love and Music, an interfaith-based church committed to the spiritual growth and unity of all under one God of Love, according to the Web site www.ilovemusicchurch.com.
The Web site goes on to state that “people of all ages can join in the peaceful celebration of life…music is the universal language, which can break down the barriers of prejudice. There is one God, one love and one home for all.”
The church, which is referred to on the Web site as being located on the Mon Yough Campgrounds, lists activities that include guest ministers and spiritual leaders, musical revivals, spiritual counseling, workshops and open forums.
Tammy Shell, executive director of the county’s zoning, planning and economic development office, said while Pritts was initially cited when he began using the property for rock concerts, he continued to operate without the proper zoning upon being denied a special exception by the county to rezone it for a recreational facility use.
Pritts could not be reached for comment nor could his legal counsel, attorney Thomas Bowlen.
Shell said Pritts initially informed the county that a section of the property was being used to hold parties with friends. However, a rock concert attended by Buddy Eicher, zoning technician, proved otherwise when numerous people attended the event in which they were charged admission. Shell added there were also security guards.
In addition, the property is being used for camping, for which Shell said Pritts also needs a special exception. “The uses that he keeps pushing for require special exception approval through the zoning hearing board, and once he’s denied by the board he has to wait for one year before he can apply for the same use, ” added Shell.
Pritts was fined $500 by the county according to a civil complaint filed on March 11 with District Justice Robert Breakiron.
According to the complaint, Pritts’ property is not zoned to conduct a commercial recreation facility (rock concerts) as defined under entertainment facilities, commercial restricted recreational facilities (camping) and not applying for a special exception requiring a zoning hearing board approval to conduct a semi-public use such as churches, religious, charitable or philanthropic nature in an A-1 area. The complaint further states that Pritts “failed to comply with the cease and desist order.”
“At this point it’s getting out of hand… we heard his (Pritts) testimony in court,” said Shell.
Jeff Wadsworth, Bullskin Township secretary, said the supervisors have also received numerous complaints from neighboring property owners that claim the noise from the rock concerts is overbearing.
Shell added that in the most recent violation, Eicher spoke with several men who labeled themselves as carpenters who were constructing a roof without a permit and once again posted the property with a cease and desist order.
A hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 10 at Breakiron’s office.