Land Trust Members Decline Dialogue With Disgruntled Neighbors

Different room, many fewer people, but the same discord: Five Boesch Farm neighbors attended Tuesday night’s regular meeting of the East Greenwich Land Trust looking to convince members to reconsider their decision to lease the property to Pat McNiff of Pat’s Pastured.

The Land Trust, alternatively, dealt with the business outlined on its agenda – including naming a subcommittee to work with McNiff on the outlines of a long-term lease for the property. (McNiff moved into the house at the farm last weekend, after a two-month lease was signed for just the house.)

McNiff, as temporary caretaker of the property, talked about those things that need immediate attention, like the replacement of the water heater in the house. Land Trust members Steve Whitney (chair), Kevin Fetzer and Peter Swaszek voted to approve spending up to $2,600 on plumbing repairs including the water heater, the lower of two bids McNiff had received for the work. He is without hot water until the heater is replaced, he acknowledged.

McNiff also discussed the need for a sump pump in the basement and barn problems. But the mimosa tree beside the house, which was to be taken down, has won a reprieve. Although the tree warden said it will die, it has shown new growth.

“I love it,” said McNiff of the tree. “I think it’s a gorgeous tree. I’d love to make it last for as long as it can. It adds character to the house and provides shade.”

After the business of the meeting was taken care of, Chairman Whitney adjorned the session. Immediately, Donna Dyer - who has spearheaded the group of residents in opposition to animals at Boesch – asked if it would be possible to talk about her group’s concerns.

“When do we have an open forum?” Dyer asked.

“He threatened to sue the town,” said Whitney, indicating Steven Gouveia, who was sitting nearby. “Unfortunately, I feel like we have to be a little more careful,” Whitney said.

“We’re talking about discourse,” said Dyer.

“The idea [behind Monday night’s hearing] was to get your concerns. We have them and you’ll get a response," replied Whitney.

“I think the cost of not listening to [our concerns] is far greater than the cost of listening to [them],” said Dyer.

“Steven threatened to sue the town. I’d like to consult with the town solicitor,” countered Whitney.

Afterward, Gouveia said that he had threatened to bring legal action, going as far as discussing who the defendant in the suit would be with Town Solicitor Peter Clarkin (the answer, Gouveia said he was told, was the Land Trust).

“It’s a misuse of government,” said Dyer. “They haven’t been acting in good faith.”

Gouveia said he could not understand – and had not been told – why the Land Trust chose Pat McNiff over Matt Thibodeau of Lucky Foot Ranch. Both Gouveia and Dyer said that Lucky Foot – or any vegetable farmer – would cause less of an impact to the property.

None of the five residents have visited McNiff's farm in Jamestown and they said they would not.

"I know what I'll see," said Dyer, "a lot of cute animals. It's not about the animals." Instead, she said, it's about what's appropriate for Boesch.

Dyer said she didn’t understand how public land could be turned over to animal grazing. When asked about the large tracts of land leased by the U.S. government for grazing in western parts of the country, Dyer replied, “But it’s not in my backyard.”

Both Dyer and Gouveia said they plan to apply for vacancies on the Land Trust. There are three vacancies.

To see a video from Monday night's hearing, click on the video option at right.