Neighbor seeks to close photo studio

A woman told Penn Township's zoning hearing board on Thursday that traffic headed to a photography business has gotten out of hand.

Sarah Bernardi, of 1022 Dahlia Lane, said last night that as the popularity of Pati Heydorn's enterprise grew, so did the number of cars.

"This business has changed the integrity of the neighborhood," Bernardi said in asking the zoning board to deny Heydorn a special exception so she can continue to operate the studio.

"It took a nice private setting and turned it into a thoroughfare. It's not the same property we purchased (17 years ago)."

The hearing board expects to make a decision next month. About 20 people attended last night's session.

The township acted on the business after receiving complaints. Dallas Leonard, community planning director, told the board he found no application or approval being granted to Heydorn to operate the business, something she has done for 18 years.

Attorney Bernard McCardle, representing Bob and Sarah Bernardi, said the board should not grant the approval. McCardle said the business violates the township ordinance for a home occupation in several ways.

As possible violations, he cited an outside employee who works at the business and more than one business sign. The traffic also affects the condition of the lane, he said.

"The applicant clearly doesn't comply with (the ordinance's) definition of a home occupation," he said.

But Heydorn's attorney, Francis Murrman, said that only a few cars and trucks visited the business Tuesdays through Fridays. And the area set up for photography is less than one-fourth of the home's space.

"It's personal," Murrman said of complaints about the business. "That's all it is. Mrs. Bernardi isn't satisfied with her 16.6 acres."

Heydorn estimated three or four cars per day, plus some delivery trucks.

She said she also has parking for more than seven vehicles.

Four of Heydorn's neighbors called as witnesses by Murrman said they had no problem with the business.