TRUMBULL COUNTY Citation puts a stop to adult-only parties at site

The business has not requested a zoning hearing, officials said.
By STEPHEN SIFF
and PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HARTFORD -- Zoning officials have pulled the plug on adult-only parties at Kay Hovis' Country Home, saying that she has been operating a business in a residentially zoned area.
Hovis, who has been having parties at her home for 25 years, could not be reached to comment.
In the past, she has said that her weekend parties were gatherings of friends, and included singing and dancing as well as sex between couples.
"We have always said that we will just let it alone if they are not bothering anybody," said township Trustee Rebecca Whitman. "Previously, we were told it is just a private party and there wasn't anything involving much businesses."
She said the township officials changed their view, however, after Country Home's Web page was brought to their attention by press reports.
"It says they have been in business since 1979, and also the fees they charge for coming in there," Whitman said. "That is a business."
An immediate stop
The citation issued by zoning inspector William Eckart called for an immediate stop to the parties.
"That area is not zoned for business," Eckart said. "If they want to open back up, they have to ask the township zoning board of appeals and they would need to request a hearing."
Hovis has not yet asked for a hearing, officials say.
She could ask the zoning board of appeals for a variance, or permission to use the property in a way that conflicts with establishing zoning in that area. Neighbors will be notified and given a chance to voice their opinions.
County health department officials also began asking questions about the business after they read the Web site.
The site, which featured a picture of a hot tub and lists prices ranging from $20 for a single woman to $75 for a single man, prompted the county health department to ask Hovis to apply for a spa license.
Hovis applied for the license earlier this month, but subsequently withdrew the application and said she would not use the tub, said Frank Migliozzi, director of environmental health.
siff@vindy.com sinkovich@vindy.com