Smart Farm Project Is Still Concern In Mansfield

By Lisa Massicotte, The Chronicle

June 9, 2021

Controversy over the proposed development for six Agbotic greenhouses continued Monday night during a Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission’s public hearing.

This public hearing was a continuation from the PZC’s May 3 hearing, where several community members spoke against the proposal.

The applicants, John and Donna Prete, are seeking to build six greenhouses at 438 Browns Road.

No vote was taken and the commission next meets June 21 at 7 p.m. for a virtual meeting.

Although a couple of residents spoke in favor of the project Monday night, the vast majority were opposed, voicing concerns over traffic impacts, the dangers of large trucks traveling the winding Browns Road, signage issues, the potential smell of an industrial hemp farm and concern over whether this type of industry would be economically sustainable.

“Browns Road is a tough road. The problem isn’t just driving in and out of any location, it’s the curvy nature of the farm road without shoulders anywhere, there are places where passenger cars are always over the center of the lane because of the narrow road,” Mansfield resident David Evan said Monday night.

According to the statement of use submitted to the town, the property, which the Pretes are in the process of buying, is 111.45 acres and approximately eight acres would be disturbed for the project.

The property currently has a blueberry patch, logging operation, hay harvesting operation and a barn, as well as Red Barn Creamery and farm store.

John Prete said there would be vegetable and herb crops grown in the greenhouses, as well as hemp, noting a plan to produce tea using the hemp as is done at his New York facility.

One of the voices in favor Monday night was Michael O’Neill, who is the University of Connecticut associate dean and associate director for UConn Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.

“Smart farms are really a new wave in the United States for agriculture. I see this as a tremendous opportunity for our students to really experience a completely new version of agriculture that represents a part of the future as we look at food production in the United States,” O’Neill said.

Attorney Marjorie Shansky, who represents the Agbotic applicants, made a point to address concerns over rumors about the greenhouses potentially cultivating marijuana.

“We have stated unequivocally, previously, that there is no request and no interest in cultivating marijuana in the Agbotic greenhouses. Because the issue has emerged again in a letter or two, I state that now in as declaratory a sentence as possible; it is simply not an element in this application,” Shansky said.

Before the public hearing, a presentation on the updates of the proposed development was given by project engineers.

Joe Perugini of Weston & Sampson Engineers said they are asking for a waiver for a requirement that the development rain an undisturbed area of five feet thick above the maximum groundwater elevation.

This requirement helps to protect the groundwater quality, according to Perugini.

“We’ve always stated based on inspections and test bits that this project will encroach upon that seasonal high groundwater,” he said, adding that best practice measures are in place to protect the groundwater from sediment and pollutants.

Weston & Sampson Hydrogeologist Rob Good said an impact assessment was conducted to evaluate the potential irrigation demand for the greenhouses and its impact on neighboring wells.

The irrigation demand for all six of the proposed Agbotic greenhouses comes to approximately 4,500 gallons per day, according to Good.

“We conclude that the proposed development and irrigation withdrawal will not have adverse impact on the surrounding wells,” Good said.

Previously, the project has gotten the support of the town’s economic development commission and agriculture committee.

Follow Lisa Massicotte on Twitter - @LMassicotteTC.

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