Warwick officials, Blue Arrow Farm owners clash over events, permits and crowd sizes
Hinting at legal action, the farm's attorney said that after the town supervisor put out a statement about the farm's violations, several private events scheduled at the farm, including three weddings, were canceled, causing economic harm to the business.
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A dispute between Warwick town leaders and a local farm over permits, crowds and traffic is turning ugly - and could end up in court.
Neighbors of Blue Arrow Farm on Glenwood Road told News 12 on Thursday that the farm's events have regularly drawn crowds that are too big for the surrounding rural community.
They are especially concerned about the weekly car shows, saying that they have tied up traffic and created too much noise, which has led them to have safety concerns.
Blue Arrow Farm's original mission is to rescue abandoned animals and raise funds to care for them.
Luka Alboretti, whose family lives nearby, said that the farm has basically become an event venue, as stated in online listings and the farm's Instagram page.
"The car shows got bigger and bigger and bigger," Alboreti said. "They're acting outside the scope of the original approvals, and it creates a dangerous scenario. Thank God nothing's happened."
Warwick Town Supervisor Jesse Dwyer said in a recent public written statement that he wants to resolve numerous violations. He said the farm's events have consistently drawn more than 200 cars to events, though the farm is only permitted to have 100 parking spots.
"Blue Arrow's got a target on its back," Robert Meloni, an attorney for Blue Arrow Farm, said over the phone on Thursday.
Meloni disputed the attendance estimates and the car number estimate, adding that past parking problems were fixed at the town's request. He said the "food court" is comprised of two food trucks that are mobile and come and go, which is permitted.
Meloni said that in a meeting earlier this year, Dwyer and farm owner Don Oriolo agreed to work on a new site plan that would allow for just six events a year.
Dwyer publicized the violations in response to an online petition that has been circulating in support of the farm.
"I don't know why he did it," Meloni said of Dwyer's statement. "I hope to find out one day why he did it, because he didn't need to do what he did. We had parted ways on Feb. 11, shaking hands. Everything was copasetic."
Dwyer said the town is committed to collaborating with Blue Arrow Farm to find a path forward that allows the business to stay operating.
"Let me be clear," Dwyer wrote. "This is not about shutting down a farm. This is about ensuring that all activities—whether agricultural, entertainment, or special events—are conducted safely, responsibly, and in compliance with local laws."
Hinting at legal action, Meloni said that after Dwyer went public, several private events scheduled at the farm, including three weddings, were canceled, causing economic harm to the business.
"My client will look to the Town and Mr. Dwyer personally for restitution for such losses," Meloni wrote in an April 26 letter to village and town leaders.
