Wedding venue owner has Valentine’s Day date in court

A Miami Twp. wedding venue owner is set to return to court today to face a refiled charge, now accused of violating an earlier deal that got his case dismissed.

Stoney Hill Farms owner Darren Powlette, 50, is set to appear in Miamisburg Municipal Court on a zoning dispute with the township.

The township contends Powlette did not stop advertising Upper Miamisburg Road site as a bed and breakfast by a date set by the court, a condition that violates the Nov. 26 dismissal of a zoning violation against him, records show.

Last spring, the township charged Powlette with the misdemeanor of violating its zoning laws. But Powlette and his attorneys have contended Ohio’s agritourism law exempts his business from local jurisdiction.

The municipal court charge is one of three court cases involving Stoney Hill and local government actions questioning it in its operations. It is also challenging a township board of zoning appeals decision on its wedding venue business.

The third case was filed in November in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court when Powlette questioned a board of building appeals decision affirming a stop work order at Stoney Hill.

EARLIER: Charge dropped against Miami Twp. wedding venue owner

In the municipal court case, the judge agreed to drop the case so long as Powlette stopped advertising Stoney Hill as a B&B.

In Miami Twp., officials said the property’s website now refers to the site as Stoney Hill Farm, but that it still has information about the B&B. In fact, it does mention “the farmhouse has three bedrooms and a master suite.”

The township also argues the property’s Facebook page promotes the B&B.

It lists the property’s address, and that “you can rent one bedroom for a couple’s retreat or all five for a getaway.”

However, in November, he said after the hearing that he was already complying with the order not to advertise or run a B&B. He and his attorney also told the court the case was fueled by angry neighbors.

Attorney Kent DePoorter said in November his client has never operated a bed and breakfast, even though Stoney Hill’s website has promoted that service in the name of business.

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About the Author

Nick Blizzard

Nick Blizzard is a staff writer for the Dayton Daily News. He is a graduate of Stebbins High School who earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and its E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Nick is a Riverside native and has been a journalist in the Dayton area for more than 20 years.