Costco eyes Larson's Farm site
Source: New Times Live, by Dirk Perrefort
July 31, 2007
Store's move would signal end of popular corn maze
BROOKFIELD -- Amid talk that Costco is considering buying the Federal Road property where Larson's Farm is located, the farm's owner said Friday that he hopes to have at least one more season to say goodbye to his customers.
"I'm hoping to get at least one years' notice so I can do something cool like a farewell corn maze," said Dean Schultz, who operates the farm that his great grandfather started in New Milford more than a century ago.
"It would kill me to think that we're not coming back next year. It wouldn't be fair to the customers," he said. "We're all walking on thin lines at this point."
Joseph Montesano, the regional director for Northwest Atlantic, the real estate firm that handles Costco, said the company has been in discussions with the owner of the property -- Berkshire Industrial Corp. -- about purchasing the site and relocating its facility there.
"There have been conversations, and we have come to an understanding that if the property is zoned for Costco's use, they would want to relocate there," Montesano said Friday. "Costco has outgrown its current facility and is trying to identify a location to relocate to better serve its membership base."
Roy Steiner, a principal with Berkshire Industrial Corp, said publicly during a recent Zoning Commission meeting that he has been in talks with the retail giant about the property. Steiner could not be reached for comment, nor could Costco officials.
Steiner made the comments during a public hearing for a proposed zone change that would restrict retail establishments from the property and others along the northern portion of Federal Road.
Current zoning regulations allow retail development in the area on parcels that are at least 25 acres.
Several officials said during the meeting that the zone change would block any attempts by Costco to relocate.
"This zone change would not force Costco to stay where it is -- it would force them to leave town -- and that would be devastating for Brookfield," said Linda McCaffrey, president of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce.
"In an ideal world I would love to see Costco stay where it is and the farm stay where it is, but that's not going to happen," she said. "The reality is that the property is for sale and if Costco doesn't go there, someone else will."
McCaffrey said Costco officials have told her the soccer fields and trails on the property would likely be maintained if the company were to purchase the site.
"They are great corporate neighbors," she said. "They've donated thousands of dollars to local nonprofit organizations besides the taxes they pay."
William Connor, a member of the Planning Commission, said the body recently sent a memo to the Zoning Commission voicing concern over the proposed zone change.
"Members were concerned that prohibiting retail there might prevent a potential revenue stream to the town," he said, referring to property taxes that would be collected. "The corn field has an agricultural exemption and there's nothing wrong with that, but taxes keep going up and people don't want to pass a budget."
Town resident Laura Delvalle, however, said that she doesn't know anyone in Brookfield who would want to see the farm disappear from the landscape.
"I don't think there is anyone in Brookfield who would want to see that gone," she said. "But I think it's inevitable. I think the town should purchase the property and keep it as open space. I'm not against expansion, but not at that site. The traffic on Federal Road is already horrendous."
Schultz said that whatever happens with the deal, the corn has already been planted for this year's maze.
"It's sad," he said. "I would like to stay here as long as I can but there's not much I can do. The landowners have been really good to me. I can't blame them for wanting to sell the property."
Schultz added he isn't sure what he will do with the farm if the property is sold.
"If I have to sacrifice anything it would probably be the maze," he said. "I would probably still tinker with the sweet corn and try to continue what my grandfather and uncle started. That's what's really important to me. If anyone has land or suggestions I'm open to ideas."
