Linda Snyder asked Polk Township supervisors this week to help her preserve her farmland.

Snyder, who is the fifth generation of her family to reside on the farm in Jonas, wants to keep her farm from being developed into commercial property.

“My one goal has been to preserve my farm,” Snyder said.

The farm runs along the Jonas Creek and is in a commercial zone.

“I have 120 acres in the Clean and Green program which would allow me to sell up to two acres per year to build a residence,” she said. “But I can’t do that with the commercial zoning.”

Snyder is retired and concerned that on her retirement income she might have the need to make the sale to help cover medical expenses.

State Rep. Jack Rader, R-176, was in attendance at the meeting and suggested that Snyder look into the Farmland Preservation program. According to Rader, Snyder could be paid a sum of money up front if she enters into the program.

Snyder said that she would look into it, but that she would still be concerned that her heirs would not be able to sell off some of the property if needed.

“We are definitely interested in helping you out,” said Chairman Brian Ahner.

The township’s solicitor, James Fareri suggested the township start by sending the request to the planning commission to consider the change and to see how it might impact other properties in the area.

A number of Snyder’s neighbors were in attendance in support of her request.