At its June 12 meeting, the Stanford Town Board introduced a revised Right to Farm law and scheduled a June 26 workshop on short-term rental rules. The meeting opened with a tribute to the late former Town Justice Frank “Buddy” Weber Jr.
The board closed a public hearing on the previous iteration of the Right to Farm law, first introduced in May, and introduced a simplified version of the law, Local Law No. 4 of 2025. Based largely on Dutchess County’s model law, it affirms the town’s support for agricultural practices permitted under state law, establishes an agricultural advisory committee, and outlines a mediation process for disputes between farmers and neighbors. Unlike a prior version that included zoning language, the updated law omits regulatory changes and focuses solely on policy.
“This is really a formal adoption of a statement of policy for the town,” said Town Attorney Robert Butts. “It recognizes that properly conducted agricultural practices are not to be considered nuisances and confirms the notice requirement for property sales near farmland.”
The board unanimously approved a resolution to set a public hearing on the revised Right to Farm law for July 10.
Butts said that signs designating Stanford as a “Right to Farm” community will be installed at four key entry points into town: north and south Route 82, Bangall-Amenia Road, and Bulls Head Road.
“This takes care of one of the goals outlined in our comprehensive plan,” Town Supervisor Wendy Burton said.
The board also turned to housing policy, scheduling a June 26 public workshop on the town’s draft short-term rental law to solicit feedback before its formal introduction. “We want to hear your ideas and concerns early,” Burton said. A public hearing on the law is scheduled for Aug. 14.
In other business, board member Theodore Secor said the Climate Smart Communities Task Force is updating contact information and considering a summer campaign promoting clothesline use over dryers. 10 composting bins remain available to Stanford residents through the town.
Recreation programming is in full swing, with 39 staff hired for the summer season and full enrollment in camps. The rec center officially opens on Saturday, June 21. Town officials are considering temporary shade structures at the waterfront following the loss of a large tree.
Although not present, board member Julia Descoteaux shared an update through a written report that noted that the Buttercup Audubon Sanctuary is in need of volunteers after the death of a staff member left a single employee managing multiple properties.
Community engagement was also on the agenda, with resident Nora Bloomberg inviting residents to Hundred Cups of Coffee, a June 29 discussion hosted at the rec center and supported by the Dutchess County Human Rights Commission. The event encourages neighbors to connect over three guiding questions: what they love about Stanford, how to build stronger community bonds, and what they’d like to see in town.
The board also voted to rescind a previously approved resolution that allocated $8,541 to Adam Fence for a gate replacement at the town transfer station, after learning the project’s cost had risen to more than $10,000. Officials said the matter will be revisited at a future meeting.
Finally, the Conservation Advisory Committee will present its completed Natural Resources Inventory on June 18 at Town Hall. Burton encouraged members of the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the public to attend.
“This presentation is the product of years of work,” she said. “I hope you’ll come and hear how we plan to care for Stanford’s natural heritage.”
The next Stanford Town Board meeting will be held July 10.