NEW CANAAN, Conn. If Randy Brown intends to keep farming at a New Canaan womans property, he must get a permit from the town.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-1 at its meeting Tuesday that Brown must receive a special use permit to continue his farming on Mary Kranzlins land at Oeonke Ridge.
Board Chairman Laszlo Papp said Browns operations constitute commercial farming based on consultations with the Fairfield County Farm Bureau, which said there is no such thing as noncommercial farming. Brown can continue gardening on properties if he wants.
It is my personal opinion that farming of that scope requires a special permit with the understanding that it was never and will never be the intent of the commission to curtail or prohibit farming, Papp said.
George Wendell was the only member to vote no, questioning the Farm Bureaus contention about noncommercial farming. A simple, straightforward farming operation is not commercial, even if you sell products elsewhere. Thats what that gentleman was doing, Wendell said.
David Scannell recused himself from voting because he may have business with the insurance company Brown works for.
Neighbors Peter and Kathy Streinger, who have lived in the home opposite the farm for about six years, were pleased with the decision. They said they always felt the operation needed a permit given the scale of the farming and that it has such a significant impact on all the surrounding neighbors. The Streingers have repeatedly complained to town officials about farming noise and smells.
Brown said he will not continue to farm on the property because of a license agreement he has with Kranzlin.
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