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Amish Furniture Told To Close Up Shop

Borough Zoning Enforcement Officer Jean St Jean has issued the Amish Country

Furniture Company of 55 Church Hill Road an order to cease its violations of

the borough zoning regulations stemming from its operations there.

Because the firm hasn't complied with that order, the matter has been

forwarded to the borough's attorney for action.

In a list of violations, Ms St Jean stated her inspection of the premises

found the site constitutes a retail shop which includes a permanent outdoor

sales area in violation of the borough zoning regulations. The rules require

that permanent sales areas be wholly enclosed and that no permanent outdoor

storage of merchandise is allowed.

Although the lot on which the business is conducted formerly had a

non-conforming land use, the regulations don't allow it to be used for some

other non-conforming land use, such as a furniture storage area.

The company's current use of the premises without prior review and approval by

the borough sanitarian and the borough zoning enforcement officer and without

a zoning permit violates the regulations, according to Ms St Jean.

The company hasn't provided a plot plan of its business as required by the

regulations.

"You are to cease all occupancy and use of the premises until you have

received approval from proper borough officials and a zoning permit," Ms St

Jean wrote to the furniture company.

State law provides that zoning regulations may be enforced in Superior Court

and that violations of cease and desist orders may be punished by fines or

imprisonment.