Neighbors Cry Foul Over Fowl Approval In Farmington

FARMINGTON, CT — Local land-use officials approved a special permit for a River Road resident to raise fowl in a residential area, but not as many as the applicant sought.

The Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a controversial application for Amber Nogiec, of 34 River Road, to raise fowl at her home, which is located in an area zoned residential.

But her permit was to raise no more than 20 birds at time.

The approved application included an ammendment that would drastically lower that limit to seven birds with a follow-up review after six months so the town could probe any neighbor complaints.

At a PZC public hearing May 8, neighbors had complaints about Nogiec's proposal.

Demetri Vernadakis of nearby 38 River Road protested his neighbor's plan, saying raising birds will attract roadents and the diseases they carry.

While Vernadakis was the lone speaker at the May 8 hearing, others also expressed opposition through submitted testimony.

Christopher St. James of Brightwood Road, also protested, saying the fowl would attract other wildlife and such an endeavor was "not appropriate for this neighborhood."

Nogiec, who testified virtually May 8, said she had already met with Farmington Animal Control and with Farmington Town Planner Shannon Rutherford about the property.

She told the PZC she already has three hens and two ducks and, according to her application, wants permission to expand to 20.

PZC members, recognizing the neighborhood opposition, recommended approving a smaller amount of fowl with a review of the situation in half a year.

Rutherford told the PZC she had met with officials with the Farmington Valley Health Distct and there are not even any specific health guidelines on fowl waste processing.

Rutherford said there wasn't anything specific for "small private property raising of fowl."

At the hearing, Nogiec defended herself, saying the food for the fowl is kept in the house and food leftover in the bird coups is brought back inside so as not to attract wildlife.

According to the PZC, town regulations do allow residential homeowners to have as many as six fowl via a registration process, with this special permit only allowing for one additional fowl for now.

Nogiac also expressed worry about being subject to false accusations from neighbors, with Rutherford saying town staff would investigate any complaints and make a decision based on its findings.

For the minutes of the March 8 Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.