Raising Chickens Raises Questions
More work is needed before regulations are ready for voters, Planning Board says.
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Chickens may be on the menu at the spring Town Meeting.
Members of the Agricultural Commission had originally hoped to bring proposed regulations on raising chickens to the fall Town Meeting.
The commission has proposed that residents be allowed to keep 12 chickens maximum, with a weight of no more than 12 pounds each.
The chickens must be kept for personal use or consumption only. At least four square feet is required per animal, which must be kept in a fenced-in area.
But Planning Board members encouraged the commission at their Monday, Aug. 22 meeting to wait to bring the issue to spring Town Meeting.
This would provide ample time to ensure that the wording was adequate and clear, Planning Board members said.
Town Planner Stephen Bishop questioned whether chickens could be kept in multi-family homes or condominium complexes, based on the wording of the proposed bylaw.
Other issues that need to be addressed include the type of chickens to be allowed and the details of the enclosures where the chickens would be kept.
Planning Board members expressed general support for the concept but said time would only help.
Planning Board vice chairman Stephen Qualey suggested the commission include “as much information as possible’’ and explain that information in “clear’’ and “simple’’ language.
“Keep the ball rolling and I think we’ll be in pretty good shape’’ for the May Town Meeting, committee member David Robbins.
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Grafton Planning Department
30 Providence Rd, Grafton, MA (30 Providence Rd, Grafton, MA 01519)
Frank Hetherington
11:44 pm on Monday, August 22, 2011
Really? What farmer are they trying to put out of business?
James Walsh III
11:43 am on Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Slight correction: Stephen Qualey is the vice chairman of the Planning Board, I'm actually the vice chairman of the Ag Com.
And to answer your question, Mr Hetherington, we are not trying to put any farmer out of business. We are trying to help those individuals, or families, who desire to raise chickens, for their own reasons (for food, or eggs...or both), to do so without the added costs associated with the Special Permit process. The proposed by-law will be solely to encourage the agricultural spirit in town, as well as help those strugling in this economy, provide for themselves in at least one area, if they so choose.
James Walsh III
4:52 pm on Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Note To Editor: :: thumbs up ::
And it was great to have you there. I'll be sure to keep my Facebook updated as to future *big* nights for the committees and Board. :)
James Walsh III
9:35 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
We're moving ahead, full speed! The proposal is now 6 chick/hens per lot. No less than 4sq' per animal. RMF and up will remain SP matters.
We are holding a workshop meeting on Tuesday, February 28th, at 7PM, in Conference Room B, at the Municipal Center, 30 Providence Rd. We look forward to seeing, and hearing from, anyone with an interest in this matter...both for, and against.
We will also be working with members from The Farmers' Market on an article regarding animals on The Common that night.
Anyone can attend, and participate. The way something that the Town can be happy with is if people get involved...so, we hope to see you Tuesday, February 28th!