Board Delays Vote on Proposal for 20 Goats

Planning Board members will wait to weigh in on a special permit to allow livestock to be kept at 66 Brigham Hill Road.

During a public hearing last night, Rebecca and John Wilson laid out their proposal to keep 20 goats and 30 chickens on 2.75 acres of land. A llama, to guard their livestock from dogs and coyotes, was also discussed.

Rebecca Wilson said the number of proposed animals is a long-term goal. “The amount is 2o years down the road,” she said.  “By that point, I will have gone to college, work full-time and be able to raise them.” Currently, the Wilsons own four goats.

“No one owns 30 of anything in this town,” Vice Chairman Robert Hassinger said.

Neighbors abutting the property expressed concerns about the smell and noise. They also questioned how the animals would be cared for and the impact 20 goats and 30 chickens might have on their property values.

“There’s a list of things that need to be provided before we are able to make a decision,” Chairman Bruce Spinney said.

Spinney wanted to know the specific breed of animals to be kept, the distance to abutting properties and the measurement of the property, all of which he said were missing from the proposal.

He also wanted photographs of the property.

According to the application, the animals will be used for milk and eggs and will be shown at 4-H fairs.  The Wilsons also plan to build a 24 square-foot compost pile for manure.

“The dialogue is still open, we just need to fill in the rest of the facts,” associate Member James Walsh said. “They might need to limit the number of animals they would keep on their property if they want to reach a compromise with their neighbors.”

John and Rebecca Wilson have two weeks to draw up a clearer outline of their proposal before appearing before Planning Board members for a second public hearing scheduled at 7:30 p.m. March 28.