Public outcry to save Beardsley farmland as Shelton leaves Leavenworth zone‑change hearing open

A large turnout of residents, conservation leaders and elected officials urged the Shelton Planning & Zoning Commission on March 25 to preserve the historic Beardsley farmhouse and surrounding farmland as the commission considered a developer’s request to rezone roughly 3.3 acres of a 5.3‑acre parcel at 276 Leavenworth Road from R‑1A to R‑1.

Donald Smith Jr., the engineer representing Ferrante Building & Renovation LLC, said the proposal would rezone a portion of the parcel to create three single‑family R‑1 lots fronting on Fairway (Parramain) Road, retain the farmhouse and reunite most farmland with the adjacent Beardsley property. Smith told the commission Aquarion Water Company had been notified and that the applicant intends to preserve the farmhouse while making smaller, 40,000‑square‑foot R‑1 lots for single‑family homes.

Public comment was extensive. Dan Beardsley and many neighbors described the farmhouse’s historic significance (dating to the 18th century), the farm’s agricultural and environmental functions (stormwater absorption and habitat) and the role local conservation groups play in protecting working farmland. Shelton Land Trust and historical society representatives urged the commission to pursue creative options—including restrictive covenants, land‑trust acquisition or city purchase—to keep the farmhouse and significant acreage intact.

State Senator (Sen.) Perillo spoke and asked the commission to weigh the results of state investments and protections that have helped maintain rural character in the White Hills corridor. Several speakers warned of Connecticut’s affordable‑housing statute (commonly referenced as “8‑30g”), which in other towns has been invoked to permit denser development; some residents said they feared a developer could seek that route if local protections are not adopted.

After applicant remarks and a request to leave the hearing open so Aquarion and the Connecticut Department of Public Health may comment on watershed issues, the commission voted to continue the public hearing to a future meeting so those agencies can provide written comments. The motion to keep the hearing open passed 5–1. The commission adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Leaving the hearing open does not decide the rezoning; the commission will reconvene the public hearing when agency feedback is received and will consider any conditions, covenants or modifications requested by the public or staff.