February 10, 2025
Present: Marty Schwager, Matt Brady, Jim Caldwell, Ken Kuhl, Rob Rome and Anna Sogliuzzo. Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Heather Lombardo, chair of the Granby Agricultural Commission.
Right to Farm Ordinance
Kenyon reported that the Granby Agricultural Commission drafted a right to farm ordinance that it presented to the board of selectmen. The selectmen voted to refer the draft ordinance to the development commission and the planning and zoning commission for feedback.
Lombardo said the agricultural commission has identified the preservation of Holcomb Farm and a Right to Farm Ordinance as two commission goals. She stated that the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association was consulted, and ordinances enacted in other towns were reviewed. Her commission forwarded a draft to the BOS and modifications were made to more closely mirror the Connecticut Right to Farm Law; this is the version being considered this evening.
The planning and zoning commission recommend a policy statement or resolution as opposed to an ordinance. Considering the draft ordinance mirrors state law, the development commission discussed why an ordinance is needed if there are protections at the state level. Lombardo said that the ordinance would show good will to farmers and add an extra layer of protection. The commissioners asked for clarification if a conflict arises—would a complainant go to the state or the town for resolution, because the ordinance does not assign responsibility to a particular body.
The commissioners noted a policy statement may be a good way to reaffirm the town’s support of agriculture but leave other issues to the state as the Right to Farm Law already covers them. The commission discussed this at its March meeting and sent a draft response to the BOS.
Commissioner Reports and
Correspondence
In response to a question about 83 Salmon Brook Street (formerly Freshie’s), Kenyon said that two proposals were received for the property and staff has been working with one respondent in more detail. At this time, it may be a lease agreement. However, this will be discussed by the board of selectmen and information posted in the board’s meeting packet for an upcoming meeting.