Neighbors near this house located at 13 Point Grove Road in Southwick have expressed concern over how many residents might reside in the home, as well as chickens and at least one goat allegedly roaming the property. The residents filed a petition to modify the zoning law in the neighborhood. (File Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – Residents in the Point Grove Road and Country Club Drive neighborhood met with the Southwick Planning Board to discuss a petition to change regulations regarding farm animals and livestock in the Residential-20 (R-20) zone.
Dean and Joanne Horacek represented the 27 residents who signed the petition, which was submitted to the board in early July.
Residents complained about their neighbors at 13 Point Grove Road back in April and expressed concerns about animals, vehicles, the number of residents there and a large fence. The Horaceks said at that time there were a number of unregistered vehicles on the property, as well as 30 bicycles and animals, including goats and rabbits, roaming in the yard.
Building Inspector Denis Gaido said at that time he was aware of the concerns and everything at the home was fine.
“They’re doing everything they’re supposed to be doing,” said Gaido. “As far as zoning and everything goes, they’re okay.”
When the petition was presented, the board asked to have representatives of the petitioners come before the board and wondered if Animal Control Officer Tracy Root should be invited.
Moglin said that the problem was actually zoning and Root’s hands were tied on the matter. Root said that the homeowners appeared to be within their rights.
“They are in the Residential-20 zone, which allows for livestock on properties over 40,000 square-feet,” said Root. “That property is 40,075 square-feet.”
Root said the law allows up to 25 poultry on a property that size.
This week, the Horaceks reiterated their concerns and hoped the solution would come in the form of a revision to R-20.
“What really needs to be done is change R-20 to better meet the requirement for residential living,” said Dean Horacek.
Horacek said the current regulations allow one saddle horse and “other farm animals” in the R-20 zone.
“It’s vague,” he said, “There are no limits.”
Horacek said it also doe not clearly define the difference between livestock and farm animals.
Moglin warned that any changes would have to be specific to R-20.
“All of our zoning is linked together, so you have to be careful when you modify,” said Moglin.
Vice Chairperson Roz Terry, who said one of the reasons she moved to Southwick was to have a small family farm, said she would be comfortable with changes only to R-20 because most properties in that zone are very small. She also noted that livestock is regulated by the state, not local authorities.
Terry said she was willing to work with residents on a modification proposal.
“Even though I’ve been opinionated, I’m open to help you with writing this,” she said.
Residents originally brought their concerns to the Board of Selectmen in April.
Neighbors complained to selectmen that there is a smell from the goat manure.
“You can even smell it on the Rail Trail,” said Country Club Drive resident Katherine Shea. “They have only been there for three months and it’s trashed. We have a situation and it’s unacceptable.”
Terry will work with residents to form a proposed modification for town vote.
