Danisi paddock public hearing July 14

SHARON — The Inland/Wetland Commission discussion of Joel Danisi and his horse paddock and installation of swales and a boardwalk was continued yet again.

A meeting Monday, June 8, addressed the ongoing dispute over Danisi’s plans. At the end, it was decided the matter will go to public hearing on July 14.

Danisi owns property at 55 Still Meadow Road. His efforts to build a paddock, swales and boardwalk have been denied so far, and have brought confusion to those involved.

Alan Tucker, a neighbor of Danisi, has hired an attorney to help him thwart the building of the horse paddock (and apparently anything else that Danisi would like to construct on his property).

Inland/Wetlands Chairman Ed Kirby read a letter from Town Attorney Judith Dixon that answered several questions regarding the matter.

Dixon explained that if Danisi’s plans are found to be “as of right,� then Danisi can start with building, without a permit or commission approval.

If the issue is found to be “regulated,� then a decision needs to be made by the commission.

Kirby clarified the letter for Danisi and what it meant for him.

“We have been told that if it is for agricultural purposes and ‘as of right,’ then the commission has nothing to do with it,� said Kirby. “It doesn’t matter if we like it or we don’t, we have no other choice.�

Kirby also explained that this didn’t include planting of crops or seeding.

“Is grazing permitted then?� asked Danisi. “Is putting up a fence for animals to graze in, is that permitted?�

Kirby answered that it is permitted as an agricultural act.

A petition was also received by the commission, asking for a hearing to be held. It was decided by the commission that an adequate number of people had signed the petition against the building on the Danisi property.

Danisi had questions about the hearing and wanted clarification.

“Is the hearing a binding vote?� asked Danisi.

Kirby explained that anyone could attend the hearing and voice concerns and ask questions, but the commission still had the final vote on the matter.

First Selectman Malcolm Brown, who was also in attendance, said anyone can attend, whether or not they live in Sharon.

The hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 14, at Town Hall at 7 p.m.