Gene and Debbie Weierbach

For 24 years, Gene and Debbie Weierbach have run an at-home mechanic shop from their home on a secluded property in Slatington, Pennsylvania. They never received complaints from customers or neighbors.

But, in 2023, Township Supervisor Dennis Klusaritz urged the township zoning board to investigate the business, after a personal falling out between Gene and Klusaritz, over work Gene had done on Klusaritz’ cars. After the Weierbachs received a cease-and-desist letter, they applied for a variance, which they were granted. But Klusaritz then convinced the township to appeal the variance, which the zoning board overturned.

Now, the Weierbachs have teamed up with IJ to file a constitutional challenge to the town’s zoning laws and a variance appeal.