Planning Board Meeting with Local Artists, Farm owners and Equestrian business owners.
At the December 16th Planning Board meeting local residents, artists, farmers and other interested people met to discuss how changes to the Comprehensive Communtiy Plan. What was discussed was relative to changes that can be made to encourage growth of local farms, farmers markets, equestrian pursuits, artist businesses and any similar low impact business that currently exists in town.
The turnout for this meeting exceeded expectations with approximately 32 people in attendance.
We heard from a local farmer who at one point had over 100 cows that were milked on a daily basis. It was told to the folks in attendance that state regulations and the price of milk has killed the dairy business in Rhode Island. He is currently working on ways to maintain his 150 acre farm as openspace without being burdend by the taxes he has to pay.
A local crafter discussed how he makes period leather goods, tack that is used as movie props. His business is strictly mail order by phone or the internet. He suggested that there be a website of information on the steps of how to start a business in town.
A local artist discussed that the town is missing an opportunity with artists. Some towns have "Open Studio Days" in the fall. If the town could get 20 to 30 studios to open on one day people would come to visit the town. This can be shared with farms and other businesses such as Antiques that complement each other. Another idea shared was "Gallery Nights" If the town could arrange a town directory, even a website link for galleries, farm stands, farms, antique businesses, restaurants etc. this could help keep visitors in town longer and patronizing local businesses. A plug was made for the "Experience Rhode Island" company that brings people around using busses.
We heard from a local farm owner and farrier who suggested that we use more of the openspace for equestrian trails. He suggested that the Town consider Hunter-Pace events, which are becoming more popular among equestrian enthusiasts. For scheduled events, the town website or other organizations can advertize these events. One of the more important factors to consider is parking and moving trucks with trailers around, so it is important that any new facilities include adequate parking.
Keeping on topic with Equestrian pursuits, it was suggested that Bed and Breakfasts and Tack shops could blossom around town that would develop and support the growth of equestrian businesses.
A new resident and horse business owner found the town to be very welcoming. He stated that he is looking to have equestrian events in the future and would like to see how this can be done with the town’s support.
Another resident who owns horses suggested that the town regulations be more sensitive toward the keeping of horses and avoid nuisance complaints from neighbors. Also allow for the keeping of other animals such as chickens that help support the rural way of life. In his experience the town has lots of horse owners with a small number of horses. He also suggested that that there are many connections that can be made with FFA and 4H Clubs to support the growth of this kind of business.
The manager of the Northwest Farmers Market attended and suggested that the town work to allow other kinds of events to occur. It was attempted last year to have a wine tasting at the Farmers Market, but it was not held due to confusion over what regulations applied and who was liable.
It was presented that the town of East Lyme Ct. holds an open air painting event annually on Land Trust property where local artists set up and paint for the day. Paintings are sold and proceeds go toward the local land trust. This can be a good tie into the high school art programs to become involved too.
It was also suggested that the town businesses get together to create a town recreation map for distribution at a town welcome center and in local businesses. It could be a placemats, a big map or pamphlet showing local businesses and recreation areas.
It was also suggested that the town find a way to bring small farms together so that they can work together on marketing, selling product and growing their businesses.
It was suggested that the town look into QR codes for identification of the town or businesses using an I-Phone. The Town of Bristol has this for local businesses and maps. It was also suggested that there be a Facebook page for the town and businesses.
Ray Goff’s notes relating to the discussion of December 16th meeting with Farmers and Artists.
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