07/17/2024
We wanted to update you on the current situation and provide some background information. We have been long-term residents of Sandy for 33 years and have been living in our current residence for 28 years. We have always been passionate about helping our community and cultivating produce and eggs for ourselves while also providing for the homeless.
When the pandemic started, we extended our assistance to our neighbors by sharing our eggs and produce. Their encouragement led us to establish a business with the guiding principle that all our customers are our neighbors.
Unfortunately, in 2022, our longtime neighbor passed away from cancer, and the family sold the home. A new neighbor moved in June 2023 and expressed enthusiasm for our business and animals. However, in April of this year, we received a complaint about flies inside their garage. We took immediate action to address the issue, but in June, another complaint arrived, claiming flies were present inside their home. We were unable to provide further resolutions for a problem that is only present within their own premises.
As a result, the city and animal control became involved, citing complaints related to flies, odor, nuisance animals, operating without a business license and customer traffic. We were unaware that selling certain products required a license through the city, but we are registered with the state. During their visit, the authorities confirmed that they did not observe any flies, detect any odors, or witness any disturbances caused by our animals. They informed us that selling eggs and produce does not require a license through the city, but other products do.
Regrettably, we were informed that we must part ways with all our animals, as per the ordinance, which limits us to a maximum of 10 hens. Despite our efforts to locate relevant grandfathering ordinances, we have been unable to find them, and the authorities have not provided the necessary information. They assert that any grandfathering of ordinances only applies to the commencement of our business or the acquisition of our animals, not the time of our property purchase. We have also inquired about rezoning but were given vague requirements and documentation.
This situation has left us disheartened, as it seems that a newcomer to the neighborhood holds greater influence than its long-standing residents. We have no choice but to downsize and dissolve our micro farm, resulting in the closure of our operations. Unless we receive assistance from relevant entities, this decision is beyond our control.
However, we want to emphasize our determination and gratitude for the supportive community. We are now looking ahead to new opportunities and the prospect of rebuilding elsewhere. We express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout this challenging period. If you have any inquiries, please reach out to us by contacting us at [email protected].
If you wish to donate to help us rebuild and continue serving our community in the near future, we greatly appreciate your support. You can make a donation of any amount through our Venmo account by following this link: https://account.venmo.com/u/JJGALLOWAYFARMS. Once again, our family expresses our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout these 5 years of business. 🫶🏼
Everyone
