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Rye commission seeks proposals for Goss Farm as barn swallow habitat and farm use remain under review
Summary
Commissioners discussed options to protect barn swallow habitat at Goss Farm, formed a working group and invited input from ornithologist Mara Silver; the commission is accepting RFP responses and will hold an open house Jan. 10 to solicit prospective farmers.
The Rye Conservation Commission continued its multi‑month consideration of Goss Farm on Jan. 8, focusing on how to reconcile farm use with long‑standing barn swallow habitat in the barn.
Member Glenn Suchocki reported a working group — including Joe Tucker, John Shaw, Mike Garvan, Victor Odryna and Suchocki — has developed options for the barn‑swallow issue and plans to involve ornithologist Mara Silver to evaluate experimental interventions. Several members said the group is narrowing options and would consider conducting a lower‑cost “test run” before committing larger sums: Member Karen Oliver suggested trying a short trial this year rather than spending $20,000 to $30,000 immediately.
Resident Susan Shepcaro (45 Recreation Road) spoke during the meeting to ask whether a group of residents could lease the barn to continue supporting the existing barn‑swallow habitat. Member Joe Marttila said RFP responses have been received and will be discussed in nonpublic session; he reported interest and that flyers have been posted for an open house scheduled Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to allow prospective farmers to inspect the farm and ask questions. The Garden Club asked whether its May plant sale could still occur if the farm is rented; commissioners confirmed community uses would be protected.
Members noted the RFP as written assumes the swallows may limit barn access and that prospective farmers may need to work around nesting birds. The commission has not adopted a final approach and said proposals and expert input will inform next steps.
What happens next: the working group will continue options development, an expert ornithologist will be consulted, and RFP responses will be reviewed (some in nonpublic session per the minutes). The commission’s open house is scheduled Jan. 10.
