Shuttered Iconic Farm Gets New Life In Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT — A shuttered, nearly 270-year-old fruit farm will be preserved as a farm after it had been scheduled to be developed into 25 homes, according to the New Haven Register.

The iconic Norton Brothers Fruit Farm abruptly closed last May, and was later approved for use as a 25-lot subdivision.

The Register reported that an agreement between local businessmen Bill Cunningham and Dave Esposito, along with the property’s developer and the town, will save the iconic farm from development and ensure the property will be used exclusively for agricultural purposes or open space.

The town wrote about the agreement in its recent “Feel Good Friday” post on Facebook.

“After months of uncertainty, we are excited that we are one step closer to the permanent preservation of the iconic Norton Brothers Fruit Farm,” the post on the town’s Facebook page reads. “A collaborative effort involving lifelong resident Bill Cunningham, Dave Esposito, the new owner of Hickory Hill, the Town of Cheshire, and the Cheshire Land Trust was announced this week.

“Cheshire has long valued the preservation of open space, and this effort reflects the kind of partnerships that have helped protect the character of our community for generations. Since 1985, the Town of Cheshire alone has invested approximately $23 million toward open space preservation. Community partners, including the Cheshire Land Trust, the Regional Water Authority, and many generous residents, have also played an important role in these efforts.

“Prior to this week’s announcement, approximately 22% of Cheshire’s land was permanently protected open space. Here’s to adding to that number and continuing to balance thoughtful growth with preservation through collaboration and community commitment.”

Read more at the New Haven Register here.