In a recent government meeting, representatives from Country Hen presented a proposal to create two new residential lots from an existing parcel on Williamsville Road, which currently houses a chicken farm. Julian Verdruba from New England Environmental Design outlined the plan, emphasizing that the farm intends to maintain its agricultural operations while accommodating two single-family homes.

The proposal sparked a significant discussion regarding zoning regulations and the implications of the merger doctrine, which states that when adjacent properties are under the same ownership, they are treated as a single lot. Bill Murray, the planning board consultant, raised concerns that the proposed division could inadvertently create non-conforming lots, as the properties had been merged under the same ownership.

Verdruba argued that the existing lots have been treated as separate parcels for decades, dating back to 1937, and that the plan does not intend to alter any property lines. However, Murray maintained that the merger doctrine applies, suggesting that the properties, once combined, could not be reconfigured to create non-conforming lots.

The board expressed a willingness to support the proposal but emphasized the need for a legal review to ensure compliance with zoning laws. They suggested that the applicants might need to revise their plans or seek further legal clarification before proceeding. The discussion highlighted the complexities of land use regulations and the challenges faced by agricultural operations in adapting to changing circumstances while adhering to local zoning laws.