Ackerly Pond Lane site plan amended from chicken farm to organic row crops
The Southold Planning Board received a notice from the firm representing 2340 Ackerly Pond LLC last Friday that amends the site plan application for 2340 Ackerly Pond Lane in Southold.
“After much thought and careful consideration, the Applicant has elected not to pursue the originally proposed chicken farming operation at the Property,” the letter reads. It continues that instead the applicant wants to farm organic produce focused on fruits and vegetables with a storage barn on the property.
The letter filed into the public record states that the change in site usage should address concerns neighbors have raised and a request was made to be added to the Sept. 14 planning board work session agenda.
Town Attorney Ben Johnson said that work session will likely announce the date and time of the next public hearing for the new application. Mr. Johnson confirmed to The Suffolk Times that Nassau County man Grant Callahan is the owner of 2340 Ackerly Pond LLC.
At this time, it’s unknown if the continuous complaints from local residents influenced the decision of Mr. Callahan.
On June 29, the LLC was issued a stop-work order, due to Mr. Callahan’s inability to abide by the rules set by the planning board, which consisted of being approved to start construction. Mr. Callahan began building a hoop-style chicken shelter on the property, violating the terms. Just over two months later, the plan is revamped into new agricultural usage.
Since January, what started as an idea ended up dividing the neighborhood, ultimately upsetting local homeowners on the adjacent property of Jasmine Lane.
The original plan called for 6,000 chickens, which neighbors said could cause the spread of diseases, foul odor, noise and potential health risks.
John Reichert, whose Jasmine Lane property backs part of the proposed farm, has been among the project’s loudest critics, attending town board meetings over the past eight-plus months.
“I got a right to live, I got a right breathe clean air,” Mr. Reichert said at the Sept. 9 work session. “I got a right to sit in my backyard and not be invaded by rats, mice and flies.”
Mr. Reichert’s taught, Leslie Herrlin, who posted video showing land clearing and construction at the site weeks before the town issued the stop-work order, said the fight has never been about opposing farming.
“This is bigger than chickens,” she said. “We’re not against chickens. The public is not anti-farm. Why aren’t procedures being followed? Because they should be.”
At a recent meeting, local homeowner Barabara Pantino echoed her opinion before the board.
“Can you imagine what 6,000 chickens could should like on 16 acres?” Ms. Pantino said.
Mr. Callahan and his attorney John Armentano of Farrell Fritz, as well as, town supervisor Al Krupski were called for comment. A statement from Mr. Callahan is to follow.
