Stonington commission approves plan to let farm expand uses, host events
Stonington — The Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday unanimously approved a plan to change the residential zone of a 78-acre property at 1189 Pequot Trail, known as the Deans Mill Farm, to the Agricultural Reuse District zone, so the owner can expand its uses and host events such as weddings and fundraisers.
The approval came even though a group of neighbors had criticized the plan at an Oct. 1 public hearing, saying it would produce noise and traffic in their quiet neighborhood.
The commission attached several stipulations to its approval of the farm. While the number of indoor and outdoor events with less than 100 people are not limited, those with 100 to 250 people are capped at 12 per year and no more than two per month. There can be no events with more than 250 people.
There can be no amplified music later than 10 p.m. and all events have to end at 11 p.m.
Local car dealership owner Robert Valenti, who owns the property, plans to raise livestock, mostly horses and chickens, on the property while an already built 17-stall horse barn with an attached indoor arena range will be used for horse boarding, riding lessons and educational seminars.
The circa-1750 main house would be renovated into a five-unit bed and breakfast, while outbuildings would be used as farm stands, and possibly craft microbreweries and for wine tastings.
At the public hearing, Valenti told the commission the other uses will help his family support the equestrian center and preserve the 78-acre farm as it has been historically used.
The Agricultural Heritage Reuse District is designed to help farm owners preserve historic farmland by expanding their operation to include agriculture-related uses. Two years ago, the commission approved the first Agricultural Reuse District zone for the 65-acre Stone Acres Farm on North Main Street.
The commission also unanimously approved plans for a 6,000-square-foot, 1½-story research building for the Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration at Mystic Seaport Museum. The building would be located next to the Williams Mystic building in the south parking lot.
The foundation, which has been located above the museum store since 2016, develops high-tech vehicles for underwater exploration.
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