Education. Advocacy.
Preservation has no voice, except for
the voices of those who support it
Providing advocacy and education when preservation and farmland conservation are at risk.
Photo Credit: iStock.com/SimonSkafar
The Battle Over Indoor Farming
With resources scarce and land scarcer, neighboring Rhode Island’s local agricultural community is locked in a battle over indoor farming.
Resource Articles
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Neighbors sue over indoor farm complex
WHY IT MATTERS
Mansfield residents raise issues regarding the approval of a large scale industrial greenhouse facility destroying preserved open farmland.
Questions raised about the sufficiency of the town review process. Residents in other small Connecticut towns must become involved and more active to be sure their voices are heard.
Linskey, Connor. “Neighbors sue over smart farm plan.” The Chronicle, February 8, 2022.
UConn Fails to Uphold Preservation Agreement
WHY IT MATTERS
With a mission to “preserve, protect and promote building, sites and landscapes that contribute to the heritage and vitality of Connecticut communities”, Preservation Connecticut’s preservation activities have added more than 6,000 jobs and nearly half a billion dollars to the economy in the last decade. Our landscapes, historic structures and sites are and invaluable resources for our state and the destruction of these assets are irreparable.
Owners who have preservation agreements and their neighbors who trust these commitments must remain vigilant and take action when the trust is broken.
Faber, Margaret McCutcheon.
“UConn fails to Uphold Preservation Agreement.”
Preservation Connecticut,
Dec 23, 2021.
Different Town Approaches to Allowing Cannabis
WHY IT MATTERS
Towns are moving more quickly to prepare for growing and dispensing cannabis. Developers noted who are being careful to avoid residential areas and locate in light industrial areas.
Crowley, Brendan. “Connecticut Towns Take Different Approach to Allowing Marijuana Businesses.” Connecticut Examiner, October 4, 2021.
Siting Solar Facilities on Farmlands and Forests
WHY IT MATTERS
The legislature recently has been considering amendments to improve regulation of siting solar facilities to protect farmland and forests. This legislative action underscores the increasing importance of protecting and maintaining open farmland and forests in Connecticut and takes a proactive and positive approach to supporting innovation in an environmentally sensible way.
Bill No. 6498, “An Act Concerning the Siting of certain solar facilities on farmlands and core forests”, State of Connecticut General Assembly, January 2021.
Zoning Considerations for Agriculture
WHY IT MATTERS
Author John Ikerd, a professor emeritus of agricultural economics suggests that as food production moves away from traditional family farming operations and toward industrial agriculture, “industrial agriculture should be subject to the same zoning restrictions and nuisance laws as any other industrial operation”.
Ikerd, J. “Zoning Considerations for Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture.” Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Vol.1 No.2.https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2010.012.012