This is an excellent use of the agricultural property. The Escobars have a proven record in town of Portsmouth as being very good citizens.”

John Borden, Portsmouth Zoning Board of Review

PORTSMOUTH — Owners of another well-known local farm have received permission to run special events on their property.

Following the Zoning Board of Review’s decision back in January to grant Greenvale Vineyards a special use permit for weddings, small concerts, corporate outings and other events, the panel did the same last Thursday for Louis and Jane Escobar of Middle Road.

Although they own Escobar's Highland Farm, at 133 Middle Road, they sought the special-use permit to host weddings across the street at their bed-and-breakfast, Escobar Farmhouse Inn. The first one is coming up soon.

“We want to have a wedding actually next Saturday (Sept. 24),” Ms. Escobar told the board. “If you approve that one, we’d like to have five every year.”

Although the B&B’s street address is 2072 East Main Road, Ms. Escobar said no patrons will access the business via that busy road.

“We have enough room that they can come off Middle Road and park,” she said, adding there will be also plenty of room for emergency vehicles. “There’s going to be a tent set up and there will be food vending trucks in the parking lot.”

There were no objections to the Escobars’ petition heard last week. One resident, Conni Harding, spoke in support of the application.

“It appears this petition is the bright light of the evening,” Ms. Harding told the board. “I hope you endorse not only five (events), but maybe 10.”

Zoning board members were unanimous in their approval of the petition, saying it met all the criteria for a special-use permit.

“I think it’s the perfect location,” said Board Vice Chairman James Nott.

Board member John Borden agreed. “This is an excellent use of the agricultural property,” he said. “The Escobars have a proven record in the town of Portsmouth as being very good citizens.”

Conditions set

The zoning board set five conditions in approving the special-use permit:

• The Escobars may host a maximum of five events per calendar year.

• Events may run from noon to 11 p.m.

• Live, amplified music must end by 10 p.m.

• If there are more than 100 guests, the Escobars must provide a police detail. 

• All servers of alcohol must be TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedure) certified.

Similar conditions were set by zoners when they approved Greenvale Vineyard’s special-use permit in January. An amendment to the zoning ordinance, enacted by the Town Council in June 2015, had paved the way to the decision. 

The amendment allows farmers to seek permits before the zoning board to hold special events on their property that they say are necessary to keep their businesses economically viable.

‘Here for a purpose’

After the meeting, an elated Mr. Escobar briefly discussed his recent health issues following a serious accident in which he was thrown from his tractor in June 2015. While his body is still on the mend, his spirits have never sagged, he said.

“I’m here for a purpose and I’m living my life to the fullest,” said Mr. Escobar from his wheelchair. “I don’t feel sorry for myself; what’s happened has happened. I look forward to each coming day and what else I can do.”

And yes, he still gets out to roam his dairy farm, which once again is featuring a corn maze this year. 

“I drive down to the barn, I can go into the barn and I was out for the corn maze. I’m beating the hell out of this chair,” he said with a laugh.