Board OKs Sizzlin’ Summer for Calvary
Chadds Ford Township supervisors followed special counsel instructions and approved six Sizzlin’ Summer events for Calvary Chapel. The approval came over the objections of several residents. The recommendation to approve came from attorney Andrew Bellowar.
Calvary applied for the six events to be held at the chapel’s Brandywine Drive location. The dates are May 20, June 3, and June 17, and then July 1, July 15, and July 29.
“We received a concerning email from neighboring properties last month that we forwarded to our special counsel representing the township in a federal lawsuit filed against this township by the applicant. Our special counsel recommends we vote yes on this, and recommended that we do so without comment,” said Supervisors’ Chairman Timotha Trigg.
Most of the residents speaking against the request live on Harvey Lane, near Calvary Chapel.
Eric Gartner said, “We request that our supervisors unequivocally deny the special events permit.”
He said the “noise” usually starts about 5:30 p.m., an hour and a half before the event begins, when the band warms up and goes to as late as 9:30.
“We hear the music inside our home. Whether it’s directed through Route 202 or not, it still travels into our homes,
Gartner also referenced the possible federal lawsuit, saying, “The matter surrounding the outdoor use of a mini amphitheater is currently under litigation… Approving this matter would put our township at an extraordinary disadvantage…Unfortunately, and without fail, every summer we have to call Calvary Chapel Inc. to turn down the music as it violates the noise ordinance, materially causes harm to our neighborhood, and diminishes the health, safety, and welfare of our neighborhood.”
Chris Moen also spoke.
“In the past, we’ve not objected to Calvary Chapel’s special events permits in the interest of trying to be good neighbors, and due to the limited nature of 6 to 8 events a year in a non-permanent setting. This year, my wife and I are opposed to the permit. Why? Our neighborhood, especially those properties adjoining the Calvary property, have been subjected to noise that exceeds the allowable levels at these events.”
Another Harvey Lane resident, Michael Antozzi, addressed the board. Antozzi said he supports local churches but has an issue with Calvary Chapel and its special event.
“Because when an institution like Calvary Chapel fails to act like a responsible neighbor, it doesn’t just impact my home, it erodes the trust across the entire community…What my family is dealing with is not minor, and it is also not acceptable. The light pollution from exiting traffic shines directly into my home. In the winter…And the noise is just as bad. Early Sunday mornings, weekday evenings, and all leading up to religious holidays, it ramps up more and more. The bass and the drums carry straight into my house. I’ve said this before, and I will say it again, I can hear it clearly, even with a sound machine running for my 3-year-old son.”
He said the noise and light problems have been ongoing and have not been fixed.
“Do not approve this permit request for additional outdoor events impacting the residents of Harvey Lane until these other issues are actually addressed.”
Diane Smith, also a Harvey Lane resident, said she regrets ever going along with having Calvary build on Brandywine Drive.
“Getting away with violations of noise ordinances, which there is little or no enforcement, citations, or accountability, the church, no doubt, believes ‘Wow. If we can get away with that 6 times a year, then why don’t we build an amphitheater…We no longer agree to sizzling summers. We do not believe the church should be allowed to violate ordinances and agreements with impunity.”
After the comment period, Trigg again read the recommendation of the special counsel. At which point, Vice Chair Kathleen Goodier read the motion with conditions.
“Cavalry must comply with all township ordinances. Cavalry must comply with all conditions of the land use approvals from 2008 and the conditional use approval from 2005, as well as the 2015 agreement with the township.
Approval for the request was unanimous, 3-0.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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