Council refers farm‑stand dispute to legal review after public pleas from small farmers

Council members on Tuesday moved to send a contentious local zoning question to the town solicitor for review after public testimony from small‑farm operators and their advocates. Attorney Roberto Mullholland told the council the original farm‑retail‑sales ordinance was intended to support commercial farms on larger parcels, not to bar small producers from selling what they grow. He said an overly broad enforcement would threaten small growers who sell produce and plants directly to neighbors.

The public comment period that followed included multiple residents who described the economic and community benefits of micro‑farms and farm stands. Trish (who identified herself as the founder of Growing Hope Farm and a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran) told the council she runs an informal, honor‑system stand on roughly half an acre and said a town inspector told her to remove the stand within a day. Dora Vosquez Helner and other residents urged the council to preserve small‑scale agriculture and to clarify rules rather than shut operators down.

Town Manager Jim Manny told the council staff had received formal and informal complaints about traffic and driveway impacts near one stand and that the building official had advised the operator to address the issue. Manny said no notice of violation had been issued and that enforcement had been placed in abeyance pending council direction. He asked legal to review whether the current ordinance already permits retail sales of products raised on the premises and, if not, to recommend clarifying language.

Council members expressed support for a quick legal review and for preserving small‑scale farm stands as part of the town’s rural character. The council voted to refer the matter to the solicitor’s office for a written opinion and to recommend any needed ordinance amendments; it also directed staff not to proceed with enforcement while the review is underway. The motion passed with no roll‑call opposition recorded.

The council asked legal to include in its review whether the ordinance’s farm‑retail provisions are being applied as originally intended, to identify any gaps (for example, traffic controls or scale thresholds), and to propose draft language or administrative steps to protect small market gardeners while addressing legitimate traffic or safety concerns. Staff said a report would be back to council within two weeks.