Seven years ago we built
the Ol'Susquehanna mine on the Snyder Farm in Pohatcong, NJ.
This attraction makes our
weekly trips sustainable.
As nothing on the mine
site has a foundation, and is movable, we did not obtain permits as we believed
we had the blessing of the town. They knew we were there, and never interfered
because they knew what we were doing was good for the farm, the town and the
county.
About 6 months ago, we
received a notice of zoning violation. At one point they even threatened me
with arrest.
It seems that two family's
that live almost a 1/4 of a mile away, have a long standing feud with the
Snyder Family.
It is basically because of
this they complained about the mine operation.
After meeting with the
Mayor and land use board the town told us they were very supportive of the
railroad and the Snyder Farm. They promised to work with us to keep the mine
site open.
Every time they moved in a
direction to put this issue to rest, they went back on their
word.
Finally it was agreed that
we should have the mine considered as agricultural tourism. The state just
passed several laws to protect farms and their ability to be self sustainable
through agricultural tourism.
This would work perfectly,
as the Mayor promised a letter of support, after all, it was their
idea.
Rather than sending a
letter of support, the Mayor sent a letter to the County Agricultural
Development Board ( who presides over the right to farm decisions as well as
agricultural tourism) stating that the Snyder Farm and the railroad should have
nothing to do with each other.
This is the third time the
Mayor showed poor character and went against his word.
On June 18th at 7:30 PM
there will be a meeting of the County Agricultural Development
Board.
They will be deciding if
the Ol' Susquehanna mine can be considered a legitimate method of attracting
customers to the Snyder farm.
If they decide that it is,
we will fall under State protection and the town can not close down the
mine.
Our train passengers are
responsible for the consumption of 10 acres of corn ( corn maze) and 4,000
pumpkins each year.
Without the train, the
Snyder farm would not be self sustainable.
Because of a few vengeful
people, and a very young and inexperienced mayor, our operation and the self
sustainability of the Snyder Farm is at risk.
PLEASE come to the meeting
on the 18th and stand in support of the Snyder farm and the New York
Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society Inc. The mayor
will be sending representatives to the meeting with the intent of slandering our
operation and the Snyder farm.
We need our friends and
supporters to make it clear that they believe the Snyder farm has the right to
make itself self sustainable by its unique relationship with our tourist
railroad.
YOUR PRESENCE WILL
MATTER.
The Meeting will be held
at:
Department of Land
Preservation
500 Mt. Pisgah
Ave.
PO Box 179
Oxford, NJ 07863
7:30 PM
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