The Observation Deck

Grace O'Malley wrote:Why does everyone act like everyone will want to have chickens? For the vast majority of us, we'll never notice that they changed the law; most of our neighbors won't suddenly become chicken owners. This appeals to a very small minority of people, most of whom have a great interest in this and are willing to learn all they can to properly keep the chickens and invest the time needed to do it successfully.

It's never going to have mass appeal. Most if us are uninterested or too busy. I don't see it as being a big negative like some do.

This is pretty much right on point IMO. There is a dedicated group of folks who are interested in raising hens (myself included) that have taken steps to educate themselves on the needs and requirements associated with doing it in a responsible manner.
Having raised hens, quail, pheasants and ducks in the past on a small scale I can honestly say that most, if not all of the concerns, are pretty much non-issues. This isn't done to provide "cheap" eggs, (cost per egg would be much higher than buying them in a store) it's done as part of being more aware of where your food comes from and what goes into it. Much the same as gardening, this is just part of a way to provide our families and friends with healthy food raised in a responsible manner.

While I'm of the opinion that this new proposed ordinance is overblown and way more complicated than it needs to be I support it. I would venture to guess that if it gets approved within a year folks will realize that most of the concerns are non-issues.

After clarifying a procedural point I was mistaken on, I realized that I was wrong. Had I realized this at the time of my original post I would have said, and still believe, that provided Hens in Lakewood is willing to work and negotiate with some of Councilman Anderson's concerns I am sure this can pass. That conversation could have already happened for all I know, but this topic is not up for discussion at tonight's meeting so it might still be in consideration.

I feel as though overall Anderson does support the idea, he is just being cautious, which I can respect. Its best to dot those i' and cross those t's before passing something.

It is however important to note that this is a resolution (not an ordinance) and it is passing a pilot program. If passed it is a over coming a big hurdle, but not the final one. This is only a trial which council can end at any time. An ordinance will still be needed to open up hen keeping to the public at large (not the selected families for the pilot) and make it permanent.