Photo courtesy of Tom Webb/Spyglass Ridge Winery
SUNBURY – After an injunction hearing Friday, the Spyglass Ridge Winery was granted temporary permission to continue with events the remainder of this month. Northumberland County President Judge Charles Saylor ruled that Rockefeller Township can’t shut down the very busy and successful concert and event venue immediately.
Sunbury attorney Joel Wiest, who represents the winery, told WKOK, they’ll be fighting the township’s shutdown with a further legal response soon. He said litigation is already pending regarding the township’s claim that the winery is improperly using the facility as a campground.
The winery previously said a limited number of overnight stays are necessary because of the people associated with events and concerts. A call to the township’s attorney has not yet been returned.
The most recent issue is whether the venue is breaking Rockefeller Township’s agriculture zoning ordinance by holding concerts and events. This weekend’s music and hot air balloon event can go on as planned. The judge ruled that the township can’t enforce it’s zoning ordinance immediately. Owner Tom Webb was not required to post a bond.
Webb told WKOK the dispute with the township dates back to the summer after supervisors claimed the winery couldn’t have campers on the property. Webb says what the township was trying to do was illegal, and says the township’s latest actions are simply ‘A scare tactic,’ and it’s not the first time the township has done this to other businesses. Webb says ‘they’re messing with the wrong guy.