The Road to Hell

 

This is a topic I have thought about writing on for quite awhile. I’ve also had it recommended to me as a possible blog topic. There’s no question that there’s a local story in all this. And yet I have felt deeply uncomfortable about going near it. Even bloggers with plenty of opinions have a little inner voice that says, “Don’t go there.”

Well, look at that - - it’s back in the news again.

Why the fight over Manor Hill Brewing just won’t end, Lillian Reed, Baltimore Banner

I give up. Let’s talk about it. From the Banner article:

Residents of 15 homes along Manor Lane say the farm’s operations and alcohol sales go beyond what’s allowed by the permits, local zoning ordinances and other regulations. They say the business brought heavy traffic, litter and disorder to their once quiet lane, which wasn’t designed to accommodate such activity.

Manor Hill Lane existed as a residential neighborhood long before Manor Hill Brewing/Manor Hill Farm. It’s to be expected that there would be some upheaval and difficulties involved in adding a commercial enterprise to the mix. 

Manor Lane begins at 108 right before you reach HCPSS Central Office. Continuing on Manor Lane, you will see the road go off to the right. That’s Manor Hill Brewing.

Taken from Google maps. Hope this helps.

Those who support the operation, owned and run by the Marriner family (Victoria Gastro Pub, Manor Hill Tavern) are quick to point out that “not all Manor Lane residents” object to Manor Hill. They’re also quick to demonize anyone who objects as anti-business or meddling “Karen” types. 

I’ve seen some truly nasty accusations on social media. It’s puzzling to me why a FB community dedicated to reopening schools and businesses during COVID lockdowns would go on the attack about this.

Those who object are quick to point out that they don’t oppose the business as a whole. They are at odds with how (or if) the business is adhering to the required county zoning ordinance /regulations. From what I can tell, their argument is that the residential neighborhood could peacefully coexist with the brewery/event venue if they followed the laws on the books. 

The problem? They argue that the business isn’t in compliance and the county isn’t requiring them to do what they need to do to be in compliance, either. 

Is there more to this story? Undoubtedly. Do I have a gut feeling about it?

Well, yes. And you can take it with a grain of salt because this is commentary. 

It looks to me as though the County has a serious commitment to fostering the growth of healthy businesses and supporting their success. Has that commitment made them more likely to have a flexible interpretation of these particular regulations at Manor Hill?

Maybe?

I can tell you that my reluctance to wade into this has a lot to do with not wanting to make anybody mad. That’s rather embarrassing to admit, but: there you are. There’s just something about this whole saga that gives me the creeps. 

Truth in advertising: I have never been to Manor Hill Farm/Brewery. I do wish they would make non-alcoholic products. I’ve been told it’s unlikely that they will. But that’s another story altogether. 

I don’t think I know anyone who lives on Manor Lane, either.

A different kind of truth in advertising: is Manor Hill connected to Marriner Marketing? Looks like yes and no. Probably irrelevant here. I’m just curious.

I often end pieces with the words: what do you think? Or: let me know. This topic has the potential for some incendiary responses so I’d like to be clear that personal attacks and outright nastiness are blockable offenses here.

What I would love to see is a lasting resolution in which both sides are happy to support one another and feel respected. No matter how hard folks have worked to create a viable side-by-side relationship, something is amiss. Good intentions are not enough, as the title to today’s post suggests.

Village Green/Town² Comments