Richard Gere’s recent move to New Canaan has sparked much excitement within the community. More so, the buzz isn’t merely about the celebrity resident but his commitment to the land and being a conscientious neighbor. At the heart of this excitement lies Gere’s 32-acre property and the future it holds: a commercial farm that strives to be more than just a business.
Upon a recent application to the local Planning and Zoning board, Gere and his team sought approval to use nearly 28 acres of their property for farming. The farm’s main focus will be on wholesale cut flowers, shitake mushrooms, and apiculture, more commonly known as beekeeping. Designed to be a closed operation selling directly to vendors, it is expected to employ only two individuals.
While Gere’s representative, David J. Rucci, managed most of the application’s formalities, Gere himself couldn’t resist personally addressing concerns and queries that arose during the meeting. Recalling the moment, one of the board members said, “Richard was so involved. He’d leap up, make eye contact, and engage directly, showing genuine concern for the issues raised.”
The highlight of the discussion was the neighbors’ concerns about potential sightline issues from the fence, which could pose a risk to children playing on the streets. Without hesitation, Gere responded, “I was not aware of that. We’re going to take care of this. That’s important to us too.” This level of engagement from an applicant is not typical, but it signaled the Geres’ dedication to their new community.
“The name of the farm is Clear Water. I mean, that’s really the intention here is to keep it clear ground, clear water, clear air.”
Beyond the logistical aspects of the farm, Gere spoke at length about the philosophical underpinnings of the project. “We’ve got four kids. We’re super careful about what we put in the ground, what we put on their skin, what they breathe,” he remarked, emphasizing the organic and family-centric nature of the farm. “This is a family operation….The name of the farm is Clear Water. I mean, that’s really the intention here is to keep it clear ground, clear water, clear air.”
Gere also addressed the potential future inclusion of goats on the farm, clarifying their limited environmental impact. “The effect is no odor with goats. It’s a very small pellet…You don’t do anything. It just goes right into the ground and deteriorates very quickly.”
But it wasn’t just about the environmental impact. For Gere and his family, these goats are more than just animals. “Look, we would like to get the seven goats that are family members now. We would love to get over there right away with no idea of expanding beyond them, as a business, but as our own pets.”
The farm proposal was met with unanimous approval by the commission. The Gere family’s emphasis on organic farming, their commitment to addressing concerns directly, and their desire to maintain the integrity of the land while contributing positively to the community stood out in the proceedings.
Gere’s approach to this new chapter in New Canaan underscores a broader message: community involvement and ecological responsibility are paramount. As New Canaan welcomes the Gere family, it’s clear that the town gains more than just new residents — they gain committed neighbors dedicated to preserving and enhancing the land and community they’ve chosen to call home.
