The Farm seeks county variances to help it remain open

The fate of The Farm, a self-described agricultural time capsule, boils down simply -- grow or go.

The 5-acre property has sowed more than 40 years of farmers markets for sale of its signature eggs, jams and honey and visits from school groups and youth organizations to learn about the several dozen farm animals living or being fostered on the property at 7222 W. Grand Teton Drive.

In October, it hosts its annual Fall Harvest Festival each weekend, with animal rides, a hay maze, a pumpkin patch and concessions. In December, The Farm welcomes guests to meet with Santa and its animals. Entry is free and extras -- such as pony rides or jars of local honey or batches of eggs -- cost less than $10 each.

But owners Glen and Sharon Linsenbardt say the cash-strapped farm has to start generating more income to support growth or it will close.

"I don't have a new car. I'm not getting my hair done or nails done," Linsenbardt said. "Everything we do is for this farm, and the cash flow has to change."

Their issue has been compounded by Clark County permit demands and resistance on project particulars from some neighbors.

Everyone is to get their say and the Clark County Board of Commissioners is to rule on the Linsenbardts' land use entitlement requests at 9 a.m. Wednesday at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway.

Among items in question are special-use permits pertaining to a revenue-generating cellphone tower, county classification to host groups up to 50 people and an event center.

Sharon Linsenbardt said the county qualifications and ancillary uses make it seem as if she wants to put Disneyland on her property. She said she hopes to continue offering her same educational, agricultural opportunities but at a slightly heightened level. The Farm would also be open to private events.

"How can one say the community doesn't need this?" she said. "There is so much an agricultural center can offer the community."

The Linsenbardts, who live on property and work day jobs as insurance salespeople, have dipped into their savings and retirements to foot the $3,500 per month cost to feed the animals.

"I've been robbing my retirement to make this place work for the last eight years," she said. "There has to be a way to make this work."

Veterinary bills have started to overwhelm them also, she said.

Beyond those monetary woes, the Linsenbardts need to supplement volunteer workers with regular hired help. The couple often man visits and events themselves, with available volunteers, when it doesn't conflict with their day jobs.

"I can no longer do what I do without hired staff," she said. "We need to grow and raise a little more money."

Linsenbardt said if the county doesn't OK her special-use permits, she will be forced to close the farm to visitors. The existing animals would be cared for but new rescues wouldn't be accepted, she said.

Neighbors say they don't want to see The Farm expire, but they want its growth to appease both parties, longtime neighbor Wayne Harris said.

"Nobody wants to close down The Farm … most of us involved have helped Sharon through the years," he said. "As much as Sharon Linsenbardt loves her farm, more of the neighbors have the same passionate views toward their RNP (rural neighborhood preservation)."

The Farm's acreage is on classified commercial land. Its most immediate neighbors reside on land classified as rural neighborhood preservation or master-planned zoning.

"Our ultimate goal is for us to coexist with light commercial," Harris said.

Harris plans to attend Wednesday's meeting with some of the 64 people who signed a petition to allow The Farm to grow with conditions.

The group doesn't want the proposed cellphone tower to exceed 50 to 60 feet in height, for The Farm's classification to be named a "major training facility" or to house an event center creating possible extra noise and traffic.

Harris said neighbors also the county to require a higher fence and landscape buffering, but Linsenbardt has requested to waive the requirement.

"There is no reason we can't come to some sort of agreement," he said.

Four neighborhood meetings have been hosted for both parties to dispel rumors and reach an agreement.

The Linsenbardts' attorney, Bob Gronauer, fielded concerns at the meetings.

"They had questions and legitimate concerns as to why she was asking for certain uses," he said. "If you hear a major training facility is going on next your house, you'll have questions."

Gronauer said the requested variances would bring The Farm up to county code.

"What it boils down to is a lot of things she's requesting, she has been doing on this property for many years," he said.

The issue has caused rifts between some neighbors and the Linsenbardts. Mention of the soured relationship and The Farm's future brings tears to Linsenbardt's eyes.

"I'm at my wits' end," she said.

Linsenbardt said she derives hope from well wishes in The Farm's guest sign-in book comments and the animals.

Four 6-week-old kittens roam the property as if they run the place.

"They bring me joy," she said. "I want this to be here for generations to come."

For more information, visit thelasvegasfarm.com or call 982-8000.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.