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Applicant Lori G. proposes farm store on family property at 83 Skinnick Road; hearing continued
Summary
Applicant Lori G. described plans for a seasonal farm store and orchard on a multi‑generational family property at 83 Skinnick Road, saying about 100 apple trees are planted with a goal of 500 over five years. The commission left the public hearing open and continued the application to June 23, 2026 for pending health, wetlands and photometric reviews.
Lori G., the applicant for PZ-2026-12, told the East Planning & Zoning Commission the property at 83 Skinnick Road has been in her family for more than two centuries and that her proposal would restore farming uses and open a seasonal farm store on the site. “We have planted 100 trees. Our goal is to get to upwards of 500 apple trees over the course of the next 5 years,” she said, describing plans for a small orchard and a farm‑goods retail space intended to be a community destination.
Commissioners sought details about water supply, food‑safety oversight and environmental review. Several asked whether the site’s private well would supply drinking water or be used in food preparation; commissioners noted that doing so could trigger federal and state oversight, including noncommunity water‑system requirements under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and quarterly testing. The applicant acknowledged the need to involve the health department and said she would arrange required tests and filtration if necessary.
Staff and commissioners also flagged outstanding reviews from the town engineer and wetlands agency. The town engineer requested revised plans to show the grading and the parking‑area design; wetlands review and health‑department comments had not been received at the time of the meeting. The fire marshal had signed off on the proposal, staff said.
Public commenters offered both support and concern. Several residents said they welcomed a local source of fresh food and the economic benefits of new commercial property; one correspondent, Charlene Carson Hyde of Scantic Road, submitted a letter opposing the project over traffic and neighborhood impacts. Commissioners emphasized that technical approvals must be complete before final action.
Because of outstanding technical items — health‑department input on the well and any food preparation, wetlands review, and a requested photometric lighting plan — the commission voted to continue the public hearing on PZ‑2026‑12 to its next regular meeting on June 23, 2026. The motion to continue carried by voice vote.
Next steps: the applicant and staff will provide the outstanding health, wetlands and photometric materials for the commission’s review at the continued hearing.
