Suitable Locations for Farmer Housing

Farmer housing has been identified as a major financial barrier to farming. Providing farmers with on site housing could make farming more accessible to those who cannot afford to move to Lebanon and/or commute daily. On the Randall Farm there are numerous locations that are suitable for siting housing, and housing could take multiple configurations. Some examples of these configurations are shown at right, ranging from a clustered layout to having housing more dispersed in the landscape. The final design and layout of the housing will be influenced by the size of housing, the length of residence, whether housing is intended for families or individuals, the relationship of farmers to the broader programs that CT RC&D operates on the landscape, and the individual needs of farmers.

Exeter Road

A B

Site A: The location on the northwestern side of the property is close to Exeter Road and the existing farmhouse and barns. Close proximity to the historic barn, farmhouse, and other existing structures is convenient if those spaces are shared and frequently used by farmers working and living on the site. This location is also on soil rated as “medium potential” for septic suitability, potentially keeping costs of septic system installation to a minimum (though percolation tests and on-site investigation will determine what system is appropriate.) This location is on a slope with southern aspect with high potential for solar. This location may not afford farmers maximum privacy from the road, though vegetative buffers could supplement.

C

Feet

0 400 800

Existing Farm Roads

Potential New Access Roads

Farmer Housing

D

York Road Site B: The location on the northeastern side of the property provides convenient access to the existing structures on the farm. Close proximity to Exeter Road and the existing access road on the eastern side of the property would require limited construction of new farm roads. This location is gently sloping with a southern aspect ideal for passive solar and PVs. While this location is on “low potential” soils for septic suitability, percolation tests should be conducted to assess their true potential.

Site C: This location affords resident farmers more privacy, as it is separated from the front of the property, which may serve as a hub for CT RC&D activity and programs. This area is on a southern slope ideal for solar energy. Siting housing on the 8.9 acre un-conserved parcel would avoid the potential conflict of construction on the parcel under a conservation easement, though it would require significant improvements to either of the existing farm roads extending from York Road to the south. The soils in this area are rated as “low potential” for septic suitability, though percolation tests should be conducted.

Site D: This location on the southeastern edge of the property allows resident farmers privacy while also having convenient access to the publicly-maintained York Road to the south. Building here would require clearing some trees, though the materials may be used for mulch or other construction on the farm. While this site may not be the best for photovoltaics, solar panels could potentially be integrated into other parts of the landscape, such as a pasture. The forested location may also provide a cool microclimate, reducing energy needs for summer cooling. This site is on soils with a “high” potential for septic suitability.

Agrisolar can make up for any solar loss from building in areas with minimal solar exposure.

Housing Layouts

Cluster Housing

• Houses close together with shared outdoor space • Tighter community feeling • Outdoor spaces can be communally maintained • Shared parking lot • Fewer roads and driveways to connect houses

Co-housing

• Houses close together to share septic and road access • Each house has private outdoor space • May share parking lot or each have own 2-car parking lot

Dispersed

• Houses are separate, with greater distance between • More privacy for residents • May need more roads through the property; each house would need own parking lot • May not be able to share septic systems if too far apart