Butkus application for greenhouse and permanent farm stand continued; commission requests surveyed site plan

The Litchfield Planning and Zoning Commission continued the site-plan application for a greenhouse and a permanent farm stand at 280 Northfield Road (Butkus/Fox and the Buck Farm) to its June 15 meeting.

Owner V. Butkus told the commission the farm operates on two parcels: a 4.3-acre front lot with a DOT-approved curb cut leading to a parking area and a 12-acre interior parcel planted for pumpkins and planned Christmas trees. Submitted documents include DOT permit #4022446 approving guardrail removal, sight lines, construction, drainage and paving of a commercial driveway within the highway right of way, a DOT encroachment permit dated 08/14/2024, a $10,000 encroachment surety bond, TAHD approval for the new structure (no plumbing) dated 06/01, and a State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Service Farmer Tax Exemption valid 03/08/2025–02/28/2027. The town assessor verified the 12-acre parcel's farmland classification in land records (Volume 407, Page 205) on 04/04/2023.

Butkus submitted a business plan noting 12 mostly ticketed agritourism events in 2025 and projections to expand to 20 events in 2026; many events are limited to pre-ticketed attendees and last about two hours. Letters of support were filed by adjacent neighbors at 111 Richard Road, 274 Northfield Road and 290 Northfield Road. The commission asked for a surveyed site plan showing accurate dimensions and setbacks; Butkus expects the survey to be completed before the next meeting. The application remains continued to the June 15 meeting.

The minutes do not record any public opposition at the time of the hearing, nor did they note formal action on the application at this meeting.