I do not have a computer so I hope this does get into the PulseLine. On Tuesday morning I was at Rite-Aid and I bought my groceries and was unable to pay for all of them so I put them aside and I want to thank that special angel of a woman that paid for those groceries. I do not know who she was. I was unable to thank her. I want to thank her very very much and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you. Bye.
My heart goes out to the woman that had to get rid of her chickens. I don’t agree with that ordinance at all and I think the city councilmen and women should revisit that ordinance. I think a lot of people in Westfield wold like to keep chickens and grow their own food and have fresh eggs available to them. Councilmen and women, why don’t you rethink that ordinance, and possibly allow in residential areas? Each instance of allowing a variance can be brought up separately if there’s problems with it. Thanks. Here is the so-called “chicken ordinance:”
ARTICLE III
Section 3
18. The raising of chickens for non – commercial use (i.e. for egg laying and meat for personal use) may be permitted by Special Permit issued by the Planning Board on parcels which do not meet the above referenced 150’ setback or 5 acre minimum where all of the following apply:
a. The raising of the chickens is for the personal use and consumption of the persons residing on the parcel only
b. The number of chickens or chicks does not exceed:
i. six (6) for a lot ¾ acre (32,670sf) or larger
ii. three (3) for a lot smaller than ¾ acre (32,670sf)
c. There are no roosters
d. There shall be a coop with a minimum of 3sf per chicken and a fenced run (no free range) with a minimum 10sf per chicken all of which is:
i. located in the rear yard area behind the principal structure
ii. setback at least 50’ from any property line
e. A site plan shall be submitted showing the layout of all structures and uses on the lot.
f. A construction and maintenance plan of the coop and run shall be submitted showing:
i. design and materials
ii. accessibility for cleaning
iii. year round ventilation
iv. heat
v. desiccant
vi. security against predators
vii. manure disposal
viii. insect and pest control
ix. expired animal disposal
x. odor control
xi. lighting
(Planning Board) 07/07/11
http://www.cityofwestfield.org/DocumentCenter/View/853
