May 1, 2025
Special Meeting
Members present: Heather Lombardo, Sara Esthus, Ellen Whitlow, Rachel Antonucci, Shirley Murtha.
Also present: Jim Szipszky, Granby Conservation Commission.
Members absent: Liam O’Leary, John O’Brien
Improvements for Town-Owned Land Leases
Szipszky said that his recommendations for improvements would be presented in two parts: for the 2025 growing season, and for future leases.
For the 2025 growing season, he recommended that the town request details from farmers using town-owned land, including the type of crops to be planted, the types of applications (fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides), the anticipated timing of those applications and the results of annual soil testing.
In addition, Szipszky recommended that the town reinforce the expectation that worker protection standards will be followed during the application of pesticides (ex. wash stations, porta potties for workers), and comply with the manufacturer’s requirements for such applications. It was suggested an annual meeting with the farmer to review property boundaries, near-by home locations and public access right of way be required.
Public Comment
Celeste Johnson, Barndoor Hills Road, stated that she walks the Barndoor Hills leased property regularly and is upset at the apparent damage done to the wetlands and the leveling. Johnson introduced Kevin Solek, a farmer from Southwick, who suggested that this particular property might best be farmed with grasses and hay, which would require less pesticide application.
Lee Shaw, Barndoor Hills Road, requested that the town require the farmer put up signs to inform abutters and the public who traverse the property of pesticide applications, in the same way that landscape companies do, and that the types of pesticides used be more restricted than currently. She also asked that there be consequences for lease violations.
Stephanie Harper, Barndoor Hills Road, stated that she is an abutter to the farm property and has suffered damage to her crops from spray-pesticide drift. She feels that town leases should require that abutters be notified before and after applications and farmers must follow the product recommendations for application. Concerns were also raised regarding the contamination of water in the Salmon Brook.
Peggy Lareau, Reed Hill Road, recapped the history on the farm parcel and its acquisition by the town, stating that the original intent was to provide open space, a wildlife corridor, access for residents, as well as support of agriculture. She wonders why the lease was not terminated.
Holly Healy, West Granby Road, stated that standard soil testing is not helpful in determining contamination. She believes that the farmer’s “excuses” are not believable if he has the experience that he claims to have.
Szipszky’s discussion continued with recommendations for how the town should manage future farm leases on town-owned land. These include:
• Assess what crops are appropriate for each parcel, and limit bidding to farmers who would be growing those crops.
• Establish an oversight body to assure that lease terms are being followed.
• Look into selling the development rights for some parcels.
•Consider placing some of these recommendations into the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Lombardo said she would attend the next meeting of the Granby Conservation Commission on May 13. It is hoped that recommendations can be made to the board of selectman that will respect farmers’ rights to farm while also addressing residents’ concerns about safety and stewardship.