What's new at Doe Run Farm?

Richard Hayne wants to build a bridge so his cattle can cross a branch of the Doe Run Creek at his Doe Run Farm, and he will be seeking permission for it at a meeting of the West Marlborough Township Zoning Hearing Board on Wednesday, April 24, at 7 p.m.
The proposed steel box beam bridge, off Route 841 near the S-curve east of Thouron Road, will be about 56 feet long and 12 feet wide, with oak planks, and will be anchored by steel pilings.  At the township planning commission's monthly meeting on April 2, the township's engineer, Al Giannantonio, described it as "a very substantial bridge" that could bear the weight of not only cattle but also heavy vehicles.
He said Mr. Hayne's workers had already started the bridge project when the township alerted them that they needed permits; the project was then halted.
In other Doe Run Farm business, township supervisor Bill Wylie said he and Mr. Giannantonio recently met with two of Mr. Hayne's representatives, Mike Gladnick and Dave Ziel, to discuss several outstanding items:
1. The creamery, where the farm's cheese is made, does not comply with state regulations for commercial buildings.
2. The corn crib/chicken coop on Hicks Road is in the flood plain.
3. A small part of the paved road that Mr. Hayne built between Thouron Road and Route 841 is in the flood plain.
The supervisors said they did not consider the second and third items significant enough to pursue, especially since the expenses involved in holding a hearing would exceed the required fees.
"It's really not worth going there," said supervisor Hugh Lofting.
But on the first item, "there's not a whole lot of wiggle room" when it comes to enforcing state code, explained Mr. Giannantonio.
Back in 2010 Mr. Hayne had said the cheese-making facility would be for his personal use only, which meant that it had to comply only with regulations for agricultural buildings. However, when he started selling the cheese off-site, it then became subject to regulations for commercial buildings, such as having elevators and handicapped-accessible bathrooms.
Mr. Giannantonio said the township is awaiting a response from Mr. Hayne's representatives.