Branford recreation board adopts rules for Stony Creek Farmers Market after residents raise noise and parking concerns

The Branford Board of Recreation voted May 13 to adopt a set of operational rules for the Stony Creek Farmers Market after neighbors raised concerns about noise, parking and compliance with park regulations.

The motion, moved by Jeanne Crowley and seconded by Nancy Drevins, passed unanimously, 5-0. The new rules — which the board said are contingent on approval by the Board of Selectmen — require vendors to drop off near Bayview Park but park at the West Point ballfield, prohibit setup before 9:00 a.m., require the park to be cleaned and cleared by 3:00 p.m., restrict music to acoustic only with no music of any kind before 10:00 a.m., cap vendors at 20, bar food trucks, and require organizers to follow Branford Parks, Recreation & Senior Services (BPRSS) policies and procedures.

The move followed an extended public-comment period in which residents described competing views of the market’s local impact. "The quiet Sundays are now gone," said Lawrence Lifschultz, a Stony Creek resident, who asked the board to review whether the market meets a 2014 special-exception regulation for farmers markets and flagged a parking provision (7.17) he said Bayview Park does not meet. Lifschultz proposed shortening the market season and relocating it to a ballfield.

Other neighbors urged compromise rather than relocation. Rabia Ali, who said she has lived in Stony Creek for 35 years, asked what the board would do to "compromise or improve the quality of life" for residents affected by early-morning music and parking congestion. Ed Gagliardi questioned whether the market operates as a farmers market under town rules, whether it charges fees for park use and asked the town to review safety and parking practices.

Clara Pagliaro, founder and director of the Stony Creek Market, told the board the market is a 501(c)(3), that vendor counts have remained about 16–20, and that vendors pay $20–$25 per week for a 10-by-10 space. Pagliaro said site managers are on site during events and that she has already ordered operational changes: music would be acoustic and begin later (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. for acoustic; 12:00–2:00 p.m. with softer amplified music), a prior vendor who violated noise rules will not return, and organizers will ask vendors not to park in nearby residential spaces.

Supporters including a local business owner and vendors described the market as beneficial to community life and small enterprises. "The market supports Branford businesses," Pagliaro said, thanking the board for the discussion.

First Selectman Josh Brooks told the board that relocating the market would require consultation with multiple departments, including police and fire, and reiterated that use of the field is under the purview of BPRSS. He asked that the board make its decision in advance of the May 20 Board of Selectmen meeting so the Selectmen could act as needed.

The board’s vote to adopt the rules was recorded as unanimous, 5-0. The motion includes a contingency that the Board of Selectmen approve the revised operating conditions before they take effect.

Directors’ reports at the meeting also covered routine departmental business: Director Dale Izzo announced posting to fill a program supervisor vacancy after the retirement of a long-serving supervisor, confirmed the 2027 budget passed, and described work to complete a new Foote Park playground (expected mid-June). Staff also discussed including pickleball courts in a 2027 grant application.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.