Summary

The Velda Shore lawsuit against Maple Lanes Farms is on track for a February trial.

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Velda Shore lawsuit against Maple Lane Farms set for February trial

By Joel Davis
joeld@thedailytimes.com
Originally published: November 19. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: November 18. 2009 10:45PM

The Velda Shore lawsuit against Maple Lanes Farms is on track for a February trial.

On Wednesday, Blount County Chancellor Telford Forgety allowed Shore to amend the complaint against farm owner Bob Schmidt but indicated his readiness for the matter, which has stretched on for almost two years, to reach conclusion.

The lawsuit is scheduled to be tried on Feb. 10, 2010. In the amended lawsuit, Shore asks that Schmidt abide by the terms of the Board of Zoning Appeals's January 2008 decision to limit the farm to hosting only one concert per year.

The Greenback farm has been home to an annual corn maze in the fall and the Strawberry Jam music festival in the spring. Shore sought help from the BZA in late 2007, complaining about traffic and noise.

Shore has claimed the Maple Leaf Farms property is not zoned for any use outside agricultural, and that the "commercial and tourist activities" that have gone on there have "brought increased traffic, loud noise and congestion to a peaceful residential area that is neither designed for nor zoned for these commercial and tourist activities.

Meanwhile, the chancellor denied a motion to join the lawsuit with a Shore's Circuit Court case against Building Commissioner Roger Fields because Fields or his attorney was not present. Afterwards, Shepherd said his client will proceed with both lawsuits. Shore's complaint against Fields takes issue with behind-the-scenes actions that took place before the BZA decision.