Coventry, Connecticut

been a focal point for Coventry. “We have ac- quired development rights to one farm, working with the state so that it remains as farmland, even as the generations pass,” says Elsesser. “The town has a ‘Right to Farm’ ordinance so that as a housing subdivision goes in, the farmers have the right to continue their practices.We have zoning regulations that are unique in that we have a commercial-agricultural zone which allows farm and farm-related commercial activities, which are restricted a little bit, but they can still borrow against the land, which is important for cash-flow purposes.We have home-farm regulations which includes things like manure management, so the neighbors are protected.” Coventry was also the first of Connecticut’s towns to adopt a dairy farm tax abatement pro- gram that essentially cut property taxes on dairy farms in half to help them survive in today’s chal- lenging economic environment. Elsesser says this was done based on a proven theory that open spac- es utilize less in tax revenue than its owners pay. Preserving open space in the face of residential growth is also a priority for the town, one that is reflected in planning and zoning regulations. “We took a very careful look, when I came here over COVENTRY, CONNECTICUT 20 years ago, at our existing subdivision regula- tions and how we could create a situation that inspires open space preservation and sustainable neighborhood development,” explains Trott. “I did a great deal of research on a variety of mod- els that could be utilized and incorporated into our existing regulatory framework.We came up with some regulations that ended up being a bit cutting edge.We ended up being the first town in the state of Connecticut to require what‘s referred to as ‘conservation subdivision design.’ ” “It’s an approach that looks to preserve the most sensitive land first, and then selecting the land that has the soils that are most appropriate for development,” he continues. “Soils drive all of the development, in general terms, by way of what is most suitable for septic system and for development, the house, the driveway and the amenities associated with that lot. So, by creating regulations that inspired the new development to integrate into the fabric of the existing neigh- borhood, it created a more streamlined approach where it wasn’t a square-peg-in-a round-hole sit- uation.We found a way of honoring the nature of what exists in the neighborhood by enhancing it and preserving as much open space as possible.”