Agriculture and Rural Character
The Chatham Democrats recognize that by preserving the town’s historic farmland, we preserve the rural, open spaces and natural resources that make Chatham special. Farming and agriculture-related businesses represent a significant part of the Town of Chatham’s economy and must remain profitable in order to survive. We support family farms and value the locally-grown, fresh healthy food they provide to the community, and we embrace all the ambience of an agricultural environment. We believe the town government plays an important role in identifying legal and funding mechanisms and resources that can assist local agriculture to be sustainable.
We value the rural character of Chatham, and believe that new commercial and residential development must be compatible with and guided by the historic land use patterns of farmsteads, hamlets and Chatham village; the open spaces and scenic vistas created by those development patterns; and the two-lane roads and country lanes that conserve the quiet and beauty of our town. In looking to the future, we support development that is consistent with the rural, agricultural character of the town, where commercial and business activities are encouraged and supported in ways that preserve that character.
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