Sharon P&Z considers expanding agribusiness options for farm owners

SHARON — At its March 26 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed options for changing regulations pertaining to auxiliary uses of agricultural land.

Potential uses included year-round farm stands, farm-to-table dining experiences and agribusiness like wineries and breweries.

P&Z Vice Chair Betsy Hall, who drafted the proposed regulations, said she took inspiration from Cornwall’s regulations, which leave the scope of uses broad so that applications may be examined on a case-by-case basis.

Last year, Cornwall P&Z granted a special permit for a cidery and tasting room at Ridgway Farm.

“I don’t want to ever be the office that just tells people no,” said Land Use Administrator Jamie Casey, agreeing that broad regulations allow applicants a degree of creativity.

An edited draft will be discussed at the next P&Z meeting April 9.