Naomi Ribeiro is the owner of Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue, a nonprofit organization that cares for abandoned, neglected, or surrendered farm animals in Newtown. Naomi and her husband, Victor, have a property at 5 Abbotts Hill Road that is about 2.3 acres of land that hosts this nonprofit.

Part of Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue’s offerings is camps and classes during the summer to promote human-animal connection and create therapeutic spaces for children. Children learn about farming responsibilities, animal facts, how to build confidence, and how to foster human-animal connections.

On June 30, Deputy Director of Land Use Steve Maguire served Naomi and Victor with a violation notice. The notice stated that the Land Use Agency found several Town of Newtown Zoning Regulations were being violated. They included: 3.01.540 ag-tivities/agrotourism; 3.01.541 farms of at least three acres; 3.01.542 shall register with an accessory ag-tivities/agrotourism zoning permit; 3.01.390 pig farm — the housing and care of pigs, minimum lot size four acres; 3.01.391 manure must be removed from the site periodically, must be located at least 100 feet from any well, stream, or watercourse, must be located at least 100 feet from any property line, and must conform to CT Department of Public Health for dwelling setbacks; and 7.03.220 buildings housing animals must be 100 feet from any property line.

Maguire also included in his notice of violation that his initial investigation revealed “advertising and conducting summer camps, workshops, and classes located at 5 Abbotts Hill Road with associated fees and registrations for public admission; housing of animals such as goats, sheep and roosters within 100ft of property lines; housing of pigs on the property.”

The Ribeiros attended the September 2 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting to have Maguire’s violations appealed. Several members of the public attended the meeting to show support for the farm and its mission.

Naomi submitted a 145-page document which included a completed application for the hearing, a personal letter outlining Naomi’s businesses, veterinary records of the animals she keeps, photos of her pot-bellied pigs, and 74 letters of support. During the meeting, she informed the board that she had more letters of support, but could not include them all.

Chair Alan Clavette began the meeting by explaining that Maguire would state his findings and the applicant would speak after.

Maguire went through the zoning regulations and the violation letter issued on June 30: “The Town of Newtown Zoning Regulations are permissive in nature.”

He explained that in 2023, there was a revision to the zoning regulations that allowed for agrotourism. Agrotourism requires three acres minimum. Maguire explained that he received a complaint from a neighbor and then went over the violations listed above.

“I’d like to state on the record, I love what the property’s doing, I think it’s a great thing, I just think the lot size is too small and does not meet the regulations,” Maguire told the board.

Naomi then addressed the commission. She thanked the board for taking the time to listen to her application. Naomi discussed the history of the property and her family, beginning by explaining that she is a licensed clinical social worker in the state and works with children and families. She owns Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue as well as NDR Counseling Services, which is a separate business.

“When my husband and I first purchased our property in 2011, we were already a family of animal lovers. We had two dogs, two cats, some fish, and we were fostering a dog,” Naomi said. “Caring for animals has always been very important for our family, and helping children and animals has always been at the base of my existence.”

Naomi continued, saying that she believed the regulations to mean that piggeries were not allowed, meaning “the raising of pigs for purpose of slaughter, sale, and consumption,” which is not what she does at Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue.

In 2013, Naomi and Victor built their first chicken coop, and in 2015, they rescued their first two potbelly pigs. Naomi said, “From there, we slowly began to build animal homes and rescue some farm animals.”

Her nonprofit was officially recognized in 2017, and in 2021, she started her private clinical practice, NDR Counseling Services.

“What started as our family caring for animals gradually grew into a rescue and eventually a therapeutic environment that has become very meaningful to our family and to the children and families we serve, and many of them are here today,” Naomi told the board.

Naomi then broke down the violations and talked about each one. The animal houses in the 100-foot setback are something that she has “already taken steps towards that compliance.” The Ribeiros paid to have their property professionally surveyed in the fall of 2025 and began rebuilding the exterior fence in the spring of this year. Naomi asked the board for “reasonable time to complete” the work for moving the animal houses. Naomi explained that she would have to rebuild and configure the animal houses and does not want to rush it.

Then, Naomi talked about the potbelly pigs. “Our potbelly pigs are our pets. They are our companion animals. They are not bred, they’re not sold. They’re not raised for agriculture, they’re not raised for slaughter or consumption.”

Naomi included photos of the pets, noting that they are welcome in her home like other animals would be, and weigh about the same as a medium or large dog. She pointed out that they are all spayed and neutered, as well as vaccinated, and that she is caring for them for “the rest of their lives.”

The third part is her group counseling. She said that she offers therapeutic group counseling in the summertime. Naomi explained that the groups are structured, small, scheduled, and seasonal.

“The purpose is to provide [a] structured, therapeutic environment rather than operate a public attraction,” Naomi told the board. “The farm is not open to the public. It is clearly listed on our website, it’s listed on our Facebook, it’s listed on our voicemail.”

While Naomi’s farm and rescue provides the environment for the counseling, they are two separate businesses. She stated that she believes it falls within her right of the home occupation permit.

Board’s Questions

After Naomi’s presentation, Clavette opened the floor to questions from the different board members. Clavette asked how far away some of the buildings are from the Ribeiros’ property line.

Victor answered that the chicken coop is about 25 feet from the property line. Now, with the two roosters the family has, the coop has to be 100 feet from the property line. The goats are about 50-60 feet from the property line, and the pigs are almost 100 feet from the line.

“It’s really the goats, the sheep, and the chickens that we knew we had to move that we were already in the works of doing,” Naomi said.

Clavette then asked how many people are typically in the groups. Naomi said there are no more than 20-22 children at once. Clavette also asked how the family is managing the manure. Victor said that the manure is “minimal, believe it or not,” and it goes into the family’s garden.

Board member Prerna Rao asked to clarify that the farm was not open to the public, but the public was welcome to sign up for classes, camps, or workshops. Naomi restated that it was not open to the public, and only a limited amount of people can sign up for the workshops. She added that it is “really geared towards children.”

Rao then asked for clarification on the structures and where they needed to be. The Ribeiros said that the houses, or where the animals sleep, need to be within the 100-foot setbacks. Rao asked how many structures there are. Naomi said there are two goat houses, one chicken coop, and four pig houses.

Rao asked what the plan was to bring the animal houses into compliance. Victor said that due to the weather, the family could not work on the new structure as intended. He asked that the board give them until spring to be in compliance. Rao then asked if there was a buffer around the property, to which Naomi said it is “all wooded.”

Alternate Board member Stephen Riccitelli asked for more clarification about the property and its existing structures. Victor took the time to go over a satellite image of the property and where the family hopes to build in the near future.

Rao then asked about Naomi getting permission to host these camps, classes, and workshops. Naomi explained that it falls under her home occupation.

Rachel Rowan asked about the removal of manure from the site as there was a complaint about animal odor. Naomi explained that the goats and sheep are vegetarians, so their feces disintegrate “pretty quickly.” The Ribeiros explained that they do not smell anything, and have never heard any complaints from their family that visits.

Clavette then asked about the number of chickens again, as they have more than the allowed number to be within the 50 and 25-foot setback. Maguire explained that if there are over ten hens or any roosters, the coop needs to be within the 100-foot setback.

A board member asked if the Ribeiros ever applied for variances, to which they said no. Then Maguire was asked if permits are required for this activity, and he said yes, as structures over 200 square feet require a building permit.

Maguire then said that the “customary home occupation is generally … a one-on-one instruction.” He said that it “really doesn’t fall into the home occupation definition.” He interprets these activities as a type of “agrotourism activity.” He added that he would not approve this as a home occupation use as it is outside of the home and serves several people.

Clavette then opened it up to members of the public, of which there were many.

Public Comment

There were about 40 people who attended the meeting on September 2. First to speak was Newtown resident Leslie Morabito.

She said, “I could speak volumes, honestly, about the positive impacts Naomi’s programs have had on myself and my family.” Morabito talked about her first-born daughter, who was born in 2020. She described her daughter, Millie, as “pure sunshine,” but when she started school, she was withdrawn and not participating. Morabito signed her daughter up for Naomi’s programs, and she said that she “flourished.

“She loved the responsibility of having a structured role on the farm and recognized that even though she was one of the youngest kids in her program, she still had something to contribute,” Morabito shared. “Naomi is the trifecta … I can tell you Naomi isn’t just good at her job — she’s exceptional.”

Morabito also said that Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue is a “blessing” to have in the community. Morabito’s daughter returned to the farm this summer. Morabito said that she knew her daughter “was ready academically … but she’s also ready to be a good friend and a good peer.” She asked the board to support NDR Counseling and Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue.

Debbie Modzelewski spoke next on behalf of her 6-year-old granddaughter who attended classes at Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue. Modzelewski said her granddaughter learned “the power of kindness” and a “wide-eyed empathy” she will “carry with her for the rest of her life.” Modzelewski pointed out that Newtown was founded by farmers and asked the board to support the farm.

Adrienne Stepkowski, a Monroe resident, spoke next. She explained she has known Naomi for “all of [her] life.” Stepkowski’s daughter has been a counselor at the farm for two years and several members of her family have spent time on the farm. Stepkowski said that there are numerous therapeutic benefits for children and adults who experience pet therapy or rescued farm animal programs. She said that the “connection between people and animals is priceless” and that Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue is “a valuable program within our community.”

Seven-year-old Madeline Mitchell from Brookfield was the next to speak. She wrote her thoughts out on flash cards and addressed the commission: “I have been going to Abbotts Hill for the past two summers, and it is one of my favorite places. I love the animals, but I have learned so much more than just how to take care of them. I learned to be patient, responsible, gentle, and kind. I have learned how to follow directions and work together with other kids.”

Mitchell added that she feels “happy and confident” after going to Naomi’s programs and hopes “other kids can have the same experiences that [she has] had there.”

Sean Morris spoke next. He spoke about kids and adults spending too much time on screens, and thinks Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue is a great “alternative.

“I can’t really think of something more on-brand for Newtown than letting kids come in and commune with nature and animals,” Morris said. He said it would be a “shame” for kids to lose this opportunity. He added that, as a neighbor, he does not notice any smells coming from the farm just a few doors down.

Melissa Barrett was very blunt and recognized that Newtown is a town that has “experienced immense tragedy.” She also pointed out that the second leading cause of death for children aged 7-14 is suicide. Barrett is a superintendent of support services in Wilton, and she sends people for mental health services often. However, those services come at a cost that not everyone can afford, with or without insurance.

“People exercise in all different formats, therapy comes in all different formats,” Barrett said. She pointed out that therapy dogs have been brought into schools to help children “open up,” not because “people need to learn how to take care of their dog.” Barrett said her son’s favorite thing he did this summer was “counseling with Miss Naomi.”

Lisa Gay, a Shelton resident, offered a different perspective. She said that when a person who cares for animals can no longer do so, those animals have nowhere to go.

Linda Abramowicz Reed said she walks her dogs up and down Abbotts Hill Road and she does not smell anything. She said the family is like “old-time neighbors,” meaning they help with “anything.” Abramowicz Reed added that she is “impressed” with the organized pickup procedure at the end of the camps and classes.

Grace Ayers, a young counselor and a former camper, wanted the board to know that Naomi’s programs give kids a chance to “connect with animals and learn how to be patient and kind and generous and calm.” Ayers said that those lessons will stay with them as they grow. Ayers added that there are “no negatives” to the kids.

Pete Sepe, president of Fairfield County Farm Bureau, told the board that there is a letter of support from him already. Sepe said he wanted to reiterate that Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue does “follow the mission of Fairfield County Farm Bureau in terms of agricultural advocacy, education, and community.” He explained that he has visited the farm to shear the sheep, and noted no smells. He was “so impressed” with the “cleanliness, the care, and the culture” of Abbotts Hill Farm & Rescue.

Kelly Ripicci lives across the street and said that it is “almost undetectable that there is a farm across the street and up the hill.” She said that it is “truly not a disruption” as far as she is concerned. Ripicci’s daughter attended Naomi’s camps and said that she would be “devastated” if she was not able to attend again.

Nicole Ducsay spoke last. She said, “Clearly this is not a piggery. This is a therapeutic animal sanctuary.” Ducsay said that she hopes that the board will give the Ribeiros time to rebuild and work to be in compliance with the zoning regulations.

Board Deliberates

Some board members asked a few more clarifying questions. Due to the newly written regulations, like for agrotourism, the board wanted to be sure of the language before making a decision.

Clavette closed the public hearing and asked the other board members what they thought. All agreed that they wanted to look over the regulations and come back with a decision. The application was continued to the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on Wednesday, October 7.

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.