Weatherlow latest farm seeking to host weddings

Sodom Road farm appeals denial of weddings, other events

By Bruce Burdett
Posted 9/21/17

WESTPORT — A farm’s plan to host weddings and other ‘agri-entertainment’ drew plenty of disagreement and no conclusions at the most recent Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting.

Instead, …

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Weatherlow latest farm seeking to host weddings

Sodom Road farm appeals denial of weddings, other events

Posted

WESTPORT — A farm’s plan to host weddings and other ‘agri-entertainment’ drew plenty of disagreement and no conclusions at the most recent Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting.

Instead, the board agreed to visit Weatherlow Farms on Sodom Road for a look and to do further research on the legalities. They’ll revisit the matter on October 4.

Farm weddings have been hotly debated in Little Compton and other nearby towns and this latest proposal promises much more of the same.

Farm owner Ryan Wagner sought permission for events including weddings on the 200-acre farm he purchased in 2014 but that request was rejected by Ralph Souza, Westport’s zoning commissioner. Mr. Wagner’s next step was the ZBA.

State and now town rules covering agritourism state that farms can hold entertainment events that relate to agriculture.

Mr. Wagner said weddings at his farm would be closely linked to the farming he does.

“We raise livestock and we grow flowers,” Mr/ Wagner said. “Weddings would feature our proteins and our flowers … We will not have weddings that do not use our products.”

Earlier, he and his attorney, Frank DeLuna, said that the farm would abide by state rules governing the percentage of farm products that would be used at the events.

What else might he allow, Mr. Wagner was asked. Dirt bike races?

No, those would not be considered, he replied.

Neighbors were divided over the matter.

A number said they fear the impact of weddings on the neighborhood.

Sue Medeiros Sherman, who lives nearby and whose family once owned the farm, said, “the current landowner has done an outstanding job bringing the farm back.”

But she and others questioned the real purpose of the farm and especially its new barn.

“I have issues that the barn is not really a barn … I agree with agritourism but I don’t see how weddings are an agricultural event.”

Neighbor Steve Medeiros agreed.

“I’ve been in a lot of barns,” he said. “This barn was designed as a venue … You’ll never see beef in there — it’s not designed for that.” It’s gorgeous, he said, but has no stables, stalls, drainage …

Mike Silvia listed a number of concerns — noise, amplified music, traffic, alcohol, the number of events, whether large tents will be allowed …

“I don’t think a wedding is farm related,” he said. “Westport is a fishing and farming community, especially in the south end. I think it should stay like that.”

Others were more supportive.

Neighbor Ed Ferreira, who is chairman of the town’s Agricultural Committee said the farm is a good neighbor. It is very difficult these days for anyone involved in agriculture and this would be a help.

“I’m in favor,” said Carla Samson. “What he intends to do is not going to affect the land. It’s going to help Westport” by bringing in people and business. “His intention is weddings. How does that hurt anyone? He’s not asking to build houses … He cares about the land, he cares about the animals.”

Asked why he had rejected the application, Mr. Souza said he had checked with the solicitor and was advised that weddings are not a permissible use in residential and agricultural zones.

He also said he has concerns about weddings drawing 200 people on Sodom Road. “Where are they going to park?”

“It’s not a White’s facility,” Mr. Souza said. “It’s a barn, an elaborate barn … What I’m trying to grasp is how are the weddings related to a farm.”

But Board of Selectmen member R. Michael Sullivan questioned the basis for refusal and for the evening’s hearing.

“We’ve taken a position and issued a cease and desist on an activity but we really don’t have clarity on what it is that’s being violated. It’s not a good position to be in,” he said.

ZBA alternate member Constance Gee said that town rules would not seem to prevent the wedding venue proposal.

“Our town bylaws passed willy nilly at town meeting pretty much leave everything wide open. You’d be hard-pressed to find anything that wouldn’t” be allowed on a farm. “With the bylaws we already adopted I don’t know how you can say this isn’t allowed.”

She added that agri-entertainment “is a slippery slope and we are already there.” This has been a huge issue at the winery, she said, and next door in Little Compton.

To recuse or not?

Near the outset of discussion, board Vice Chairman Gerald Coutinho said he was not certain whether he should recuse himself and that he wants to seek advice from the town’s attorney.

As a justice of the peace, he said he officiates at a number of weddings in town and might be called on to do so at Weatherlow Farms.

“That could lead to a financial interest concern,” he said, adding, “It’s not a lot of income, believe me.”

The question was not decided and Mr. Coutinho continued to participate actively in discussion.

Later, Mr Sullivan spoke from the audience.

“I appreciate your forthrightness with respect to your potential conflict of interest but you really shouldn’t be participating in the discussion” before getting legal advice.

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