The Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday denied a special permit that would expand a polo-equestrian facility’s capability to hold events on the property.
The property owner, Town Farm Development LLC, sought to modify an existing special permit to host events at the facility, 152 Town Farm Road. Town Farm Development, a subsidiary of Cheshire-based food distributor Bozzuto’s Inc., purchased the property in 2015.
The permit would allow the owner to use the 80-acre property for dining and retail sales of equestrian-related goods. All events would conclude by dusk, according to the application. The site plan includes vendor/spectator tents adjacent to the polo field and event parking.
The permit also would allow Town Farm Development to sublet the property for charitable events, including those run by Bozzuto’s charitable arm, the Hometown Foundation.
According to the application, major events would be limited to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Smaller events with less than 200 people could operate until dusk using a public address system and small-scale music amplification on weekdays.
The permit would limit events to no more than six multi-day events per year, and no more than 12 total events per year, not including polo/equestrian events. No lighting would be used at the facility that would impact neighbors, the application says.
Commissioners raised concerns about the surrounding residential neighborhood and the use of the property for summer car shows, which begin setting up before 8 a.m. on Sundays. They considered approving the application with numerous conditions, but said they weren’t comfortable with that many stipulations.
The property owner can continue operating under a previously approved special permit, which town officials said they will enforce.
Dozens of residents opposed the application during a public hearing, which concluded on May 8. Concerns were raised about parking as well as compliance with the town’s noise ordinance.
Under the existing special permit, Town Farm Development is allowed to use the facility primarily for equestrian/polo events, along with the annual Dream Ride fundraiser. The owner is also allowed to sublet the property to organizers of charitable events.
