Board approves three small farmers‑market dates at the Barn at Crowley Falls with parking expectations

The Brentwood Planning Board approved a request from Barn at Crowley Falls LLC to hold three small farmers‑market events this season, voting to allow up to 10 stalls on Aug. 22, Sept. 19 and Oct. 3 provided the events comply with state farmers‑market law and the town's site‑plan requirements.

Applicant Corey McDonald (representing Barn at Crowley Falls LLC) described the proposal as a modest, neighborhood‑scale market that would use a section of the barn parking lot and leave approximately 16 parking spaces available. McDonald said the proposal would include event insurance and that vendors would be required to be licensed and insured; he noted he had spoken with the chief of police, who indicated support and suggested officer monitoring for the first events.

Board members extensively debated parking and public‑safety implications. Several members emphasized that the town's site‑plan regulations do not permit off‑site parking as a routine condition; the applicant said he would encourage vendors to park at an off‑site park‑and‑ride and would post signage asking attendees not to use library parking. The applicant volunteered to provide two accessible parking spaces even though the legal requirement is one; the board recorded that commitment on the record.

The board framed the approval as a limited, trial arrangement: the approval runs with the property and the board said it can revoke the amendment if off‑site parking or other violations recur. A motion to approve the three dates and up to 10 stalls consistent with state law passed by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will prepare an approval letter consistent with the conditions discussed (state law compliance, event insurance, on‑site parking expectations); the board will monitor the trial dates and may revisit the site‑plan amendment if problems occur.