Area man faces legal action over church, concerts on his property
BULLSKIN TWP. – An Acme man alleges that he did not violate the Fayette County Zoning ordinance for operating a non-denominational church and hosting outdoor music concerts on his 150-acre parcel of land that is zoned A-1 (agricultural.) William D. Pritts of Box 370 Bear Rocks Road said he is entitled to operate the Church of Universal Love and Music on his property according to the first amendment. “There’s no such thing as an illegal church,” said Pritts.
Although an order was handed down by Judge Steve Leskinen for Pritts to cease operating a “commercial recreational facility” on the property, he is planning to host the Freedom Festival July 3-6 that is posted on the church Web site.
Pritts denied being cited by the county for using the property to host other outdoor music concerts and operate the church without the proper zoning, stating that entertainment is a legal use of A-1 ground according to the county zoning handbook.
Tammy Shell, executive director of the county’s zoning, planning and economic development office, said earlier this week that Pritts failed to comply with a cease and desist order posted on his property following a music concert last month.
“Whether it’s being used as an entertainment facility or place of worship, he is required to have a special exception under the Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB),” said Shell.
Under permitted and conditional uses of “A-1” property in the county, the zoning handbook states that special exceptions must be approved by the ZHB in order to operate a number of facilities, including commercial recreation, non-commercial recreation and/or restricted or for a semi-public use.
The handbook goes on to state that church operations are considered a semipublic use. “He can operate the church, but he (Pritts) still needs approval under the ZHB for a special exception to have it on his property, and he is aware of that,” said Shell.
According to Pritts, the parish is an interfaith-based church committed to the spiritual growth and unity of the families that attend the music events. “The church is a group of families that enjoy music, including the children,” said Pritts.
Unlike most churches, Pritts said the Universal Church of Love does not promote a specific religious belief, but instead focuses its worship on various music he referred to as a “language or communication” among the families.
According to the Web site, www.ilovemusicchurch.com, The Freedom Festival will feature a three set show by Ekoostik Hookah along with bands, Wizdom, The Zen Tricksters, Mandolin Project, Mecca Bodega Oddyssea, Mr. Nimbus, Ouve and the Furnace Mountain.
Although the church does not host gospel musicians, Pritts said it refrains from having hard-rock bands, but does include Blue Grass, Jazz, Reggae and Country bands that several neighbors have contend still emit loud noise. “The music is no louder than a bird chirping on a tree,” added Pritts.
While Pritts claims that the majority of neighboring property owners approve of the music, he said the closest residence is located about a half-mile away. In order to access his property, motorists must travel through the east gate off Bear Rocks Road.
Over the last 18 years, Pritts said he has hosted about 12 outdoor music concerts on his property that have been attended by 300 to 1,000 people, who are also permitted to camp on the property, another zoning violation that Shell said requires a special exception in order for Pritts to be in compliance.
Pritts said disturbances are rare, but constables and bonded security officers are at the concerts. He did say however that concertgoers are permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages although it isn’t something that the church promotes.
Instead, Pritts said the church aims to teach children the proper ways of life, along with the potential dangers they can encounter through music. “We believe that music is a very powerful tool in teaching,” said Pritts.
Compared with other parishes, Pritts said the Church of Universal Love and Music focuses primarily on music to deliver its message. “There are two things that bring you closer to God, nature and music,” said Pritts.
Shell said however Pritts claims he is using the property, he continues to impact the entire mountain community without the proper zoning.
Pritts is scheduled to undergo a hearing on the matter at District Justice Robert Breakiron’s office on July 30.