January 5th 2012: Save Satori Farm!

When Stephen Conklin Sr. purchased over 100 acres in the 90's it was with the vision to use the land in a sustainable manner with roots in the community that would foster tolerance, understanding and acceptance. His vision was just beginning to come to fruition as he began building a relationship with the Fresh Air Fund, providing an opportunity for inner city children to experience a more rural life. He offered the use of his land to other organizations for a variety of purposes free of charge. He also offered the shelter of his home and food in his pantry to anyone in need. He was happy to share what he had.

In 1998, Mr. Conklin noticed thousands of dollars of additional charges on his mortgage. After contacting the mortgage holder and questioning these charges, he learned that three different companies claimed to hold the mortgage and wanted payment. After careful consideration Mr. Conklin was willing to pay off the entire mortgage, to the appropriate holder, by creating two to five lots to be sold. He received approval, had the land surveyed, and found investors with a similar vision as his. Then suddenly, he was informed that he was not allowed to subdivide. Mr. Conklin questioned why and continued to seek the appropriate mortgage holder.

Since then he has been subjected to misdirection, profiling, and numerous abuses within the courts. He has been asking for his right to due process, under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which includes the right to a fair trial, in which he is able to cross examine, present expert witness testimony, and evidence. To date Mr. Conklin is facing eviction from his property at 100 Spanglers Rd. in Lewisberry on January 5th, 2012, without a hearing. He is being denied his property without due process of law.

You can learn more about the history of the farm here.