'Peas and Justice' farm in the works


 


AMENIA — Two local residents consulted with the Planning Board last Thursday about the creation of a community-owned farm.

 

Residents Aresh Javadi and Dylan Weid told the board that they are negotiating the purchase of William Henry’s 152-acre farm on Old Route 22, also known as the Old Luther Farm.

They said that they are interested in turning the farm into "The Forest and Farm Peas and Justice Center," which, as listed in a letter given to the Planning Board, will engage people in environmental and social justice work.

"We envision working with the youth around the neighborhood and teaching workshops about how to take care of land," Javadi said. "We would be listed as a nonprofit LLC and community land trust."

Part of the plans for the farm would involve constructing housing, possibly 20 units.

"We would like to build the housing with the support of the community, " he said.

He said that it was undetermined what kind of housing would be built on the land.

In the letter submitted to the Planning Board, Javadi wrote the housing would not be subdivided or sold, but instead would be part of the center’s community.

"Our intention is to not disturb the ecology or clutter the viewshed," Javadi wrote. "[This] may be contingent on an ability to apply some percentage of the building allowances for the remaining approximately 145 acres to our cluster of buildings in this small area near the existing house."

He also wrote that the farm will include community-supported agriculture and the center is interested in creating a land trust and easement for the upper Rattlesnake Ridge area.

"We hope to work with the town’s Planning Board and other entities to set up workshops and learning experiences," he wrote.

The board did not make any official decisions because Javadi and Weid are still negotiating to purchase the property.

style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: cheltenham light dtc"two local residents consulted with the planning board last thursday about the creation of a community-owned farm.>

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