From an email sent to me by City Manager Dave Collinsworth:
City Council is planning on discussing this issue at their June 14 work session which will be held at the Westerville Service Center, 350 Park Meadow Dr., beginning at 7:00 pm. As a work session, there is no legislation that is acted upon but rather it is an opportunity for Council to consider and discuss informally potential future legislative items. Though the meetings are informal in nature and are open to the public, we reserve citizen comments for our regular public meetings when legislation is actually being formally considered. You are welcome to attend the June 14 work session and may provide written comments to supplement what you have already submitted to Council, both before and after that session.The fact that city government is will to consider this issue is a big step and very positive!
It is a shame that we can't speak at the work session-but being there in a body shows we care, and we will be able to submit written information.
Plan on attending the meeting if you can-and keep the letters of support coming to City Council from friends and neighbors.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
The Dreaded HOA
Westerville City Manager Dave Collinsworth and I have been having a very informative email converstaion about the chicken issue. He reminded me that even IF Council adopts a Chicken Ordinance, there would still be the HOA question to resolve. How well aware I am of my HOA! Here's how I replied:
I have to say that I am greatly disappointed with the reaction of my local HOA. I sent a message to the board hoping to open a dialog, to address any questions or concerns, since I believe that most objections to any new idea come out of lack of information and understanding rather than real knowledge. What I got from them was the short letter that I know was forwarded to you and members of council-rather than speaking to me, I was hit over the head with rules. I don't know these people, they have never introduced themselves or done one neighborly thing. Yet they hold sway over how I use my property. As a payer of a mortgage and a tax bill that bothers me a great deal.
IF I had to venture an opinion, my theory on why the HOA is objecting would not be the chickens themselves-any rational person can see that there is nothing to complain about. The HOA recognizes that if chickens are made legal, that would be the first step to losing much of their power and authority. First chickens, then real goats, concrete geese, lawn jockeys, garden gnomes, purple shutters, a planter bed made of an old rowboat or claw-footed bath tub, a driveway basketball hoop, a concrete parking pad for an RV. Soon McDot Farms would no longer look like a cookie cutter colony of clones, but a real neighborhood. The south end of Mainsail drive would look just like those people up at the north end of the street who don't have an HOA, and I say all the better for it. I regret not buying at that end of the street,
I know for a certain fact back yard chickens are not a source of odor, noise or other problems. I am not asking my neighbors to "put up" with any thing-though I put up with their dogs, their lawn chemicals, their vehicles blocking my driveway, their pool parties, their teen-agers leaving condoms and cigarette butts in my yard. I do my part to be a good neighbor, and am rewarded with cold indifference when I ask my community to be open minded about a new idea.
Had ONE the HOA officers knocked on my door, met me face to face, listened to what I have to say, and then said "I am not convinced" I would have given up this project. I am glad to say I will keep at work on it. It will be a help to other neighborhoods that don't have an HOA-and I plan to live in one of those just as soon as I can.
It is at times like this that I want to seek out the real estate agent who helped us buy this house and wring his neck. I never heard about an HOA until we were at the closing table, and had to sign the dreaded deed restrictions. My question of "What's an HOA" was answered with "Nothing really, a club that organizes the block watch and the Fourth of July picnic".
How wrong he was ! How wrong I was to trust him!
Buyer Beware-never buy in an HOA neighborhood-they will tell you when to feed your kids, change your socks or kiss your spouse!
How wrong he was ! How wrong I was to trust him!
Buyer Beware-never buy in an HOA neighborhood-they will tell you when to feed your kids, change your socks or kiss your spouse!
Thoughts from a chicken hater-who has access to a microphone!
Here is the text of a commentary that aired on WOSU-AM yesetrday:
At a recent Sunday dinner at a friend's home in Bexley, our normal chatter about work and family was interrupted by the squawking and pecking of chickens.
My friend's neighbors are one of four families in Bexley that can legally keep chickens on their property. During dinner, the neighbors were outside, dressed in knee-high boots and Carhartt jackets, watching the animals as though they were the cast of a hit TV show.
The chicken debate is heated one in my hometown of Bexley and other hometowns in central Ohio. One person has even founded the Westerville Area Chicken Keepers Society. And a number of websites and blogs have popped up to teach these wannabe urban farmers how to successfully keep chickens.
My friends have handled having chickens as neighbors with grace, but I'm not sure I could do the same.
It's bad enough living in an apartment building, where my upstairs neighbors have a rambunctious puppy and no carpeting to muffle the barking. I don't want to walk outside each day and see chickens, and I don't want to wake up every morning to a rooster's crow.
Not only can chickens and roosters be noisy and time-consuming pets, they're dirty and they smell. And according to a number of studies, chicken coops are responsible for some bed-bug infestations.
It also seems as though suburban chicken farming is just another culinary fad for well-to-do city slickers. Raising chickens is the new "in" thing if you've got the money and time.
But I remain conflicted.
In recent months, I have become much more cognizant of where my food comes from and what I'm using to fuel my body. I do applaud people taking a stronger interest in how their meat and eggs are raised.
It would be great to wake up on a Saturday morning and know exactly when and where the eggs in my omelet were produced. Just like growing a crop of tomatoes or peppers, knowing where your food comes from is good for both the mind and the body.
In this day of overly processed fast food, it's important to take an active interest in what you're eating. There's no way of knowing what the chemicals and additives in today's food are going to do to your body tomorrow. All this said, I will never own a chicken - and I hope my neighbors won't either.
I'm a vegetarian, I'm not a huge fan of eggs and, at the end of it all, I think chickens are just plain ugly.
There. I said it.
As long as chickens don't become "man's best friend," I hope I only have to handle my upstairs neighbor's cute, albeit noisy, puppy - instead I'll support local, non-urban organic farmers for my very limited poultry needs.Here is a link to WOSU's website if you want to listen to her:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wosu/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1807628/Opinion/Backyard.Chickens..No.Thanks.
The commentator's name is Gail Martineau, and for a Public Radio commentator, I would have expected more-a more open minded attitude and to be better informed. Media types like Ms. Martineau are dangerous. When she says "chickens are messy,and they smell" she is really saying "I THINK CHICKENS ARE MESSY AND SMELL". Most listeners dont hear the implied "I THINK" and just take it as another assurance of what they have already made up their minds about-chickens are smell and messy.
Which we know is not true.
I also take exception with her complaining about the noise of the next door chickens. I doubt that two chickens could be as loud as she says, for a start. But let's assume she and her friends could hear them over on their side of the property line. Why is the noise coming from the chickens unacceptable, but the noise that the dinner party would have made (probably loud talking and laughing, I've never seen a silent dinner party) that went over the property line in the other direction is acceptable? Property lines run both ways, and we see the old double standard at work.
At a recent Sunday dinner at a friend's home in Bexley, our normal chatter about work and family was interrupted by the squawking and pecking of chickens.
My friend's neighbors are one of four families in Bexley that can legally keep chickens on their property. During dinner, the neighbors were outside, dressed in knee-high boots and Carhartt jackets, watching the animals as though they were the cast of a hit TV show.
The chicken debate is heated one in my hometown of Bexley and other hometowns in central Ohio. One person has even founded the Westerville Area Chicken Keepers Society. And a number of websites and blogs have popped up to teach these wannabe urban farmers how to successfully keep chickens.
My friends have handled having chickens as neighbors with grace, but I'm not sure I could do the same.
It's bad enough living in an apartment building, where my upstairs neighbors have a rambunctious puppy and no carpeting to muffle the barking. I don't want to walk outside each day and see chickens, and I don't want to wake up every morning to a rooster's crow.
Not only can chickens and roosters be noisy and time-consuming pets, they're dirty and they smell. And according to a number of studies, chicken coops are responsible for some bed-bug infestations.
It also seems as though suburban chicken farming is just another culinary fad for well-to-do city slickers. Raising chickens is the new "in" thing if you've got the money and time.
But I remain conflicted.
In recent months, I have become much more cognizant of where my food comes from and what I'm using to fuel my body. I do applaud people taking a stronger interest in how their meat and eggs are raised.
It would be great to wake up on a Saturday morning and know exactly when and where the eggs in my omelet were produced. Just like growing a crop of tomatoes or peppers, knowing where your food comes from is good for both the mind and the body.
In this day of overly processed fast food, it's important to take an active interest in what you're eating. There's no way of knowing what the chemicals and additives in today's food are going to do to your body tomorrow. All this said, I will never own a chicken - and I hope my neighbors won't either.
I'm a vegetarian, I'm not a huge fan of eggs and, at the end of it all, I think chickens are just plain ugly.
There. I said it.
As long as chickens don't become "man's best friend," I hope I only have to handle my upstairs neighbor's cute, albeit noisy, puppy - instead I'll support local, non-urban organic farmers for my very limited poultry needs.Here is a link to WOSU's website if you want to listen to her:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wosu/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1807628/Opinion/Backyard.Chickens..No.Thanks.
The commentator's name is Gail Martineau, and for a Public Radio commentator, I would have expected more-a more open minded attitude and to be better informed. Media types like Ms. Martineau are dangerous. When she says "chickens are messy,and they smell" she is really saying "I THINK CHICKENS ARE MESSY AND SMELL". Most listeners dont hear the implied "I THINK" and just take it as another assurance of what they have already made up their minds about-chickens are smell and messy.
Which we know is not true.
I also take exception with her complaining about the noise of the next door chickens. I doubt that two chickens could be as loud as she says, for a start. But let's assume she and her friends could hear them over on their side of the property line. Why is the noise coming from the chickens unacceptable, but the noise that the dinner party would have made (probably loud talking and laughing, I've never seen a silent dinner party) that went over the property line in the other direction is acceptable? Property lines run both ways, and we see the old double standard at work.
Council is talking about chickens!
This is part of an email conversation I have been having with Westerville City Manager Dave Collinsworth.
The good news of course is that Council is very aware of the issue and is going to talk about it.
"City Council is planning on discussing this issue at their June 14 work session which will be held at the Westerville Service Center, 350 Park Meadow Dr., beginning at 7:00 pm. As a work session, there is no legislation that is acted upon but rather it is an opportunity for Council to consider and discuss informally potential future legislative items. Though the meetings are informal in nature and are open to the public, we reserve citizen comments for our regular public meetings when legislation is actually being formally considered. You are welcome to attend the June 14 work session and may provide written comments to supplement what you have already submitted to Council, both before and after that session."
It is disappointing not to be able to speak at this work session, but if we show up they know who we are and that we want to engage them in a rational discussion. I am planning on bringing ONE sheet of paper with relevent information on it in easy-to digest bullet points. Hope to see you there!
The good news of course is that Council is very aware of the issue and is going to talk about it.
"City Council is planning on discussing this issue at their June 14 work session which will be held at the Westerville Service Center, 350 Park Meadow Dr., beginning at 7:00 pm. As a work session, there is no legislation that is acted upon but rather it is an opportunity for Council to consider and discuss informally potential future legislative items. Though the meetings are informal in nature and are open to the public, we reserve citizen comments for our regular public meetings when legislation is actually being formally considered. You are welcome to attend the June 14 work session and may provide written comments to supplement what you have already submitted to Council, both before and after that session."
It is disappointing not to be able to speak at this work session, but if we show up they know who we are and that we want to engage them in a rational discussion. I am planning on bringing ONE sheet of paper with relevent information on it in easy-to digest bullet points. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A letter of support!
Here's a really well written letter from a member of the group that will be very important to making hens legal in Westerville: the non-chicken owning neighbors!
Talk to your neighbors, friends and family members-have them read this and write one of their own!
Westerville Planning Commissionc/o City of Westerville Planning and Zoning
64 East Walnut Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Re: A positive note about CHICKEN KEEPERS in WestervilleAs a happy Westerville resident of many years, I look for opportunities to keep our city on track with modern updates and improvements.
I believe we are on the ‘cutting edge’ with parks and green spaces and contemporary environmental trends. I’m proud to live in a progress-oriented community with fine leadership and visibility.
After investigating with interest the Westerville Chicken Keepers’ philosophy and agenda, I’m convinced this is a solid idea with excellent prospects for our city. While I may not be inclined to keep chickens myself, I find these people full of creative and constructive ideas ... and very civic minded. Properly designed and administered, I feel their ideas will be a major step for Westerville in encouraging people to develop independent resources and in fostering self-sufficiency among our citizens.
Of course, there are some issues that will need to be addressed, as with any new endeavor. Noise control, sanitation, proper space and environment, air and water quality, etc. Based on what I’ve learned about these citizens, I would trust them to present a workable, controlled and people-friendly format for their proposal, perhaps based upon other communities that have successfully implemented their ideas.
Once these criteria are identified and satisfied, I feel there would be no negatives to chicken keeping whatsoever. Our Westerville WITH chickens would be no different from our Westerville WITHOUT chickens ... except that we will have taken another quantum leap in maintaining our reputation as one of America’s best and most forward looking communities.
Please give this idea serious consideration.
Thank you!
Steve Erwin
Talk to your neighbors, friends and family members-have them read this and write one of their own!
Westerville Planning Commissionc/o City of Westerville Planning and Zoning
64 East Walnut Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Re: A positive note about CHICKEN KEEPERS in WestervilleAs a happy Westerville resident of many years, I look for opportunities to keep our city on track with modern updates and improvements.
I believe we are on the ‘cutting edge’ with parks and green spaces and contemporary environmental trends. I’m proud to live in a progress-oriented community with fine leadership and visibility.
After investigating with interest the Westerville Chicken Keepers’ philosophy and agenda, I’m convinced this is a solid idea with excellent prospects for our city. While I may not be inclined to keep chickens myself, I find these people full of creative and constructive ideas ... and very civic minded. Properly designed and administered, I feel their ideas will be a major step for Westerville in encouraging people to develop independent resources and in fostering self-sufficiency among our citizens.
Of course, there are some issues that will need to be addressed, as with any new endeavor. Noise control, sanitation, proper space and environment, air and water quality, etc. Based on what I’ve learned about these citizens, I would trust them to present a workable, controlled and people-friendly format for their proposal, perhaps based upon other communities that have successfully implemented their ideas.
Once these criteria are identified and satisfied, I feel there would be no negatives to chicken keeping whatsoever. Our Westerville WITH chickens would be no different from our Westerville WITHOUT chickens ... except that we will have taken another quantum leap in maintaining our reputation as one of America’s best and most forward looking communities.
Please give this idea serious consideration.
Thank you!
Steve Erwin
Thursday, May 19, 2011
What would the neighbors say, part 2
OR Logic, reason and open-mindedness meet fear, ignorance and prejudice ( also known as a Home Owner's Association.)
Westerville being Westerville I knew that the push to make hens legal would be an uphill struggle. I never realized how steep that incline would be! I recently sent the following email message to the HOA in my neighborhood. I wanted to extend an olive branch, be reasonable and start a discussion:
Westerville being Westerville I knew that the push to make hens legal would be an uphill struggle. I never realized how steep that incline would be! I recently sent the following email message to the HOA in my neighborhood. I wanted to extend an olive branch, be reasonable and start a discussion:
By now I am sure you have seen the newspaper articles about a group that wants to make keeping chickens legal in Westerville, and that one of the group’s founders lives in McDot Farms! Chickens in a suburban neighborhood like ours seems like an odd, a down right crazy to those unfamiliar with the practice of keeping backyard hens. But many, many keepers of small flocks are proving everyday that hens can be good neighbors.
None of these people would argue that a full scale chicken farm is a good fit in a neighborhood like McDot Farms. Ordinances prohibit that sort of thing for good reason, and rightly so. But what those small flock owners would make clear is that a few pet hens (no roosters!) take up less space than a pool table, make less noise than most dogs or lawn care equipment, and a lot less mess than a dog too.
Press coverage of the insect and odor problems at large scale commercial poultry operations have made a strong impression on the general public, who are now convinced that chickens are always a loud, smelly annoyance. Nothing could be further from the truth-when talking about small groups of hens in a backyard setting.
I’m writing to you to let the officers and membership of the McDot Farms home owner’s association know that I want to answer any questions and address their concerns. There is no point in getting City Council to change the current ordinances if the local HOA would oppose the action. I repeat in this message to you what I express in the letter I have sent to City Council: If I thought that keeping 3 hens in my backyard would cause any odor, any noise, any form of annoyance at all, I would not do it. My family and I use our backyard, we spend a lot of time there and I would never introduce an unattractive nuisance into my own backyard, and am not expecting my neighbors to put up with one either. Pet chickens in my backyard would be quiet, odor-free and unobtrusive. I know this for a certain fact because literally thousands of backyard flocks are being kept in neighborhoods just like ours with no problems and no complaints.
I am including with this email the text of a letter I have sent to City Council, along with an information sheet that answers many questions and reservations about backyard chickens, as well as the proposed ordinance we’d like to see Council adopt.
Let me close by repeating my willingness to talk with any HOA officer or member and speak to their concerns and questions.
Best Regards,
Your Neighbor
Mark Passerrello
Imagine my astonishment when I get this in the mail two days later:
An invitation to discussion? NO! A request for more information? NO! Just the usual dodge for very scared small minds: Hit people who are different than you with rules!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Great video
This is borrowed from the website of a great business, the Urban Farm Store, in Portland Oregon.
Check them out online and look for theis excellant book "A Chicken in Every Yard".
http://www.katu.com/news/59315722.html
Check them out online and look for theis excellant book "A Chicken in Every Yard".
http://www.katu.com/news/59315722.html
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Second Meeting
The first meeting went so well, we wanted to have another!
Come on out on Thursday, May 12 to the Tim Horton's on South State. We will start at 7:00 pm.
Bring a friend, a family member or neighbor and let's keep the momentum going!
Come on out on Thursday, May 12 to the Tim Horton's on South State. We will start at 7:00 pm.
Bring a friend, a family member or neighbor and let's keep the momentum going!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
WHY?
Can you imagine that many people have no idea why someone would want to have chickens in their backyrd? Lots of people have not even heard of this great idea!
There are many great reasons:
There are a variety of reasons to keep chickens in urban environments, and its not a new fad. People have been keeping chickens in cities for centuries, and here are some of the benefits when you add chickens into your urban lifestyle:
There are many great reasons:
Benefits of Urban Chickens
There are a variety of reasons to keep chickens in urban environments, and its not a new fad. People have been keeping chickens in cities for centuries, and here are some of the benefits when you add chickens into your urban lifestyle:
Local source of protein
If you live in an urban environment you can grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables in your backyard. When it comes to supplying your own source of protein however, it's impossible to get your dog to lay breakfast each morning or fit a cow in your backyard. That's why chickens are so wonderful! They are small, easy to care for, and won't take up your entire yard. Chickens provide protein rich eggs, and if you choose to you can also raise them for meat (if slaughtering is legal where you live).Better Quality
Fresh foods simply taste better! Also, when you raise your own eggs and meat, you know what the animal ate, its living conditions, and how it was treated. No need to worry about food safety, antibiotics, or hormones.Source of fertilizer
Chicken poop is high in nitrogen and great for your compost pile. Supply your backyard garden with compost made from chicken poop and watch your plants flourish!Natural pest control
Got cockroaches, tomato horn worms, aphids, grubs, or any other pest you don't want in your yard or garden? Chickens are great at conrolling these pests naturally- no need to put nasty chemicals in your yard. And yes- chickens will even eat mice!It's fun!
Chickens can provide a breath of fresh air in our busy urban lifestyles (as long as you don't step in their poop!). Just like cats and dogs, chickens have personalities and can be great companions. If you can't keep indoor pets, chickens are a wonderful alternative with the added benefit of providing food. Also, your neighbors and friends will come flocking over to your house to take part in all the excitement.You can be a part of the local food movement!
The local food movement is taking off, and by keeping chickens you can take pride in being a producer and not just a consumer. Help feed your own existence!Thursday, May 5, 2011
First Meeting
I want to thank everyone who was able to make it to the first meeting of W.A.C.K.S. tonight, and keep everyone who was not able to be there up to date. Prior to the meeting I was interviewed by Channel 28, I just saw a promo for the story and am not happy about the way they are plugging it "...local group wants to ruffle feathers..." We'll see how the story goes.
Bu tthe meeting was very productive, I think we are off to a good start. We had some good conversation and tossed around a few ideas.
It was decided to meet again next Thursday at 7:00 at Tim Horton's. Please bring a friend, family member coworker or other interested/supportive person to help support the cause-"many hands make light work". The time until the next meeting will also be great time reach out to neighbors and see how they feel about chickens-if they are willing to write letters to the editor, or speak at a City Council meeting, they will be great allies!
Everyone, if you are a member of Facebook, locate the Westerville Area Chickens Keepers Society and "like" it, and also sign up as follower of this blog as well.
And of course, forward this email to everyone you think would be interested!!
Thanks to everyone who has expressed interest and support in this group.Let's work together and make it happen!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Spreading the word
I firmly believe that if our group hopes to accomplish our goal-to get city council to seriously consider backyard chicken and make them legal-we have to send two messages:
What to say?
- There are sufficient numbers of Westerville citizens to make this worth considering, and that we are reasonable, responsible people who will take good care of our birds and never allow them to become a nuisance or danger.
- There are also a number of Westerville citizens who don't want birds of their own, have no objection to hens in their neighborhoods. This is the kind of support that will make or break or break our efforts!
What to say?
- Briefly tell why you want chickens, or why you are agreeable to them.
- If you have had practical, hands on expereince with chickens, or have been around them in any way, talk about it in the most positive (but honest) way you can!
- Stay positive, polite and courteous-let the opposition came across as hot headed, nuts or kooks.
- Letters of moderate length that make a few points in a vivid, effective way are much better that a long, hard to read letter that tries to say everything.
- If you state facts, try to back them up with a source.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Meeting getting closer!
Save the date-Thursday, May 5th at 7:30pm is the first and hopefully not last meeting of the Wesetrville Area Chickens Keepers Society. The meeting will be heald at the Tim Horton's on South State Street.
If you want chickens, or are cool with it in your community, please come out and lend your support-we will need both groups to make City Council, and most of our neighbors understand that well cared for hens make good additions to the backyard!
If you want chickens, or are cool with it in your community, please come out and lend your support-we will need both groups to make City Council, and most of our neighbors understand that well cared for hens make good additions to the backyard!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)