Despite Coughing $85,000,000, Century-Old Horse Stable’s Neighbors Oppose ‘Illegal’ Operations

A contentious debate has emerged in Darien over the continuation of riding lessons and horse boarding at the Serenity Show Stable. Despite the town’s substantial $85,000,000 investment in acquiring the Great Island estate housing the century-old horse stable, neighbors are opposing its ongoing operations. Following the town’s recent acquisition of the 64-acre property, officials submitted an application to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The application seeks to maintain equestrian services at the stable for the next two years. 

However, opponents argue that the current operations of Serenity Stables, the occupying business, violate town zoning regulations and are therefore illegal. With both sides presenting contrasting perspectives on the matter, a public hearing has been scheduled for further deliberation.

Town officials and neighbors debate the legal status of stable operations

At the heart of the dispute lies the question of whether the commercial activities conducted by Serenity Stables are permitted within a one-family residential zone. Vice Chair George Reilly, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, raised concerns about potential violations of zoning regulations. Reilly argues that the stable’s for-profit nature makes it incompatible with the designated residential zone. The zone permits single-family houses, public schools, parks, and private open spaces. He emphasized his commitment to upholding the regulations, even though he did not express personal objections to the stable or the town’s leasing arrangements.

Meanwhile, attorney John Knuff, representing the Great Island Property Owners Association, has challenged the town’s application. He asserts that the existence of the application itself indicates the prohibition of commercial operations in the residential zone. Knuff further contends that the town’s failure to provide the required documents, such as a site plan detailing property aspects, should result in the dismissal of the request. He emphasizes adhering to zoning regulations and questions the necessity of the application if the activities were non-conforming.

Historical context and disagreements on the use of the Great Island stable

Mark Santagata, attorney for Serenity Stables, argues that the current commercial use of the stable predates the town zoning regulations of 1925, citing historical precedent. He refers to a timeline compiled by attorney Robert Maslan and commissioned by the previous owners, the Steinkraus family. Santagata highlights a 1925 newspaper article that mentions riding lessons for “outsiders.” This suggests a longstanding tradition of commercial activity at the stable, and he asserts that the property’s historical context cannot be ignored.

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Knuff, on the other hand, maintains that commercial uses are explicitly prohibited within the residential zone. He highlights the need for a site plan, which was not included in the town’s application, and argues that without it, the request should be rejected. Knuff’s position centers on the strict interpretation of the zoning regulations and the importance of adhering to the submission requirements.

While neighbors and town officials call for the stable’s closure, the town and stable owner argue for its continued operation. The decision rests with the Planning and Zoning Commission, responsible for deciding whether to allow the town to rent out the stable.

The decision will impact the stable’s future and set a precedent for similar cases, balancing historical usage and zoning regulations.

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