The Planning and Zoning Commission at its January 24 meeting unanimously approved the Special Permit for a Farm Store at 147 East Old Route 6. Applicants Sam and Rosetta Fisher, who own “Organic Roots Farm at Popover Hill”, seek to expand their current operation, a farm stand selling “what is grown and baked at the farm”, to include other local products, such as honey, maple syrup, milk, and artisan cheese.  Mr. Fisher expressed the family’s intent to “involve the community and offer a wider range of products”.  As there is plenty of space on the property, the expansion will not alter the present conditions. “Only the offerings will change,” Mr. Fisher said.

Neighbors Mark Davis, Frank Lowe and Juan Arriola spoke in favor of the proposal. All three stated that they frequent the farm and remarked on the Fishers’ conscientiousness, echoing the sentiment that this will benefit other local farmers as well.  The stipulation that 75% of what’s sold must be a product of Connecticut is not an issue. Mr. Fisher only foresees the possible sale of the grain feed they import from Pennsylvania, as customers often ask what they feed their chickens.

The Fishers have been farming here since 2019 on the property formerly owned by the Ostbys, who operated a Christmas tree farm as well as a jewelry store where local crafts were also sold. The Fishers enterprise has been a perfect fit for the property, and for the town.