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03/25/2024 03:39 PMAn application has been filed for a special exception to allow a seasonal farm stand, classes, and social functions at Malabar Farm, located at 142 Cross Road. A public hearing on the application opens on March 25, after press time for this article.
At a February zoning Commission meeting, the commission accepted an application from A. Kendall and Kelly Bradley to allow uses that would open Malabar Farm to the public.
The farm is 11.5 acres and dates back to 1791. Once upon a time, the farm was known throughout New England for raising prize-winning sheep, according to a letter from Bradley to the commission. Now, the owners are seeking permission to host herb classes and farm events and run a farm stand. The farm events are described as barn raising, garden planting, class reunions, birthday picnics, and a small wedding in the letter to the commission.
“This will allow Malabar Farm to generate revenue to restore the historic 1791 farm, teach people the lore and history of herbs, and preserve agricultural heritage as a character-defining element of the Westbrook landscape,” the letter stated in part.
In addition to the classes, the applicants also wish to raise sheep and ducks, grow herbs, apples, and vegetables, and plant a pollinator garden on the property.
“The big intent for us is to have herb classes,” Bradley said. Bradley said she used to work at Comstock, Ferré & Co, America’s oldest seed company, teaching herb classes there. “We want to do the same thing here, just in a farm setting.”
The application before the commission is specifically for the stand, classes, and social functions. Bradley, who bought the farm in 2021 with Kendall, said the plan is to rebuild a barn on the property that burned down to its original dimensions.
“We’re trying to do the farm how it would have looked in that era, Bradley said.
At the public hearing, speakers can speak for, against, or neutrally on the application.