WELLSVILLE — It’s hard to start a business if you have bad relations with your neighbors, but right now that describes the situation with the owners of the KC Pumpkin Patch. Currently, the pumpkin patch operates near Gardner, but they want to move their operation from Gardner to near Wellsville. Wednesday, dozens of neighbors turned out at the Douglas County Courthouse in Lawrence to complain to the County Commission about the hazards they see coming with the pumpkin patch, among them too much traffic. The pumpkin patch plans to construct parking areas for 804 cars and 16 buses. They also complained about the owners, Kirk and Julie Berggren, refusing to meet with them as a group. After the marathon four hour meeting, Kirk Berggren noted there was a certain mentality among complaining neighbhors. He indicated that he was certainly willing to meet with anyone and address concerns, but not as a mob. The Douglas County Commission postponed until September 25 taking a final vote on the application submitted by the pumpkin patch to set up their operation. Commissioners say they want to try to find a way to let the business operate while also addressing the concerns of the neighbors.
Updated 9/12/13 @ 4:00 pm
