Branford selectmen approve Stony Creek Farmers Market at Bayview Park, with conditions and P&Z review

The Branford Board of Selectmen voted May 20 to permit the Stony Creek Farmers Market to use Bayview Park on Sundays from June 7 through Nov. 1, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., contingent on the recommendations of the Board of Recreation and review by the Planning & Zoning Commission.

First Selectman Joshua Brooks summarized the Recreation Board's conditions: parking at the West Point ball field, no vendor set-up prior to 9 a.m., clean-up completed by 3 p.m., acoustic-only music (no amplified sound), no music before 10 a.m., a limit of 20 vendors, no food trucks, and adherence to Parks & Recreation rules.

The board’s minutes record receipt of letters both supporting and opposing the request. Dozens of residents, vendors and stakeholders spoke during the public-comment period. Supporters, including frequent visitors and several vendors, emphasized the market's community and economic benefits. Opponents and at least one immediate abutter raised concerns about disturbance and zoning impacts.

Rabia Ali, an abutting neighbor, opposed the permit application and told the board the market “is very disruptive to her as an abutting neighbor,” and organizer Clara Pagliaro said she is working to address raised concerns. Several supporters—Mark Zikaras, Mark Richter, Ed Strauss, Steve Yarden and others—spoke in favor of the market.

The motion to approve the market, moved by First Selectman Brooks and seconded by Selectman Jeffrey E. Vailette, passed unanimously with the noted conditions and pending Planning & Zoning review.