Saturday, March 9, 2013
Westwood Councilman Ray Arroyo said the borough would not pursue a law governing the keeping of chickens because of the budget issues.
Westwood officials have decided against creating a new law which would govern the keeping of chickens, Councilman Ray Arroyo said this week. The borough decided against pursuing the law because of budget issues, he said. "The good news is: no more chicken jokes," Arroyo said, referencing the numerous fowl puns he and other officials made at a previous council meeting. The borough's zoning officer had suggested a possible chicken law because there are already at least 36 properties in Westwood where chickens are kept. Officials said they had received some complaints about the birds. The practice of raising chickens for eggs and meat has become increasingly popular in recent years as part of the sustainability and homesteading movements, but…
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Cecilia Brennan said her neighbors have never complained about four chickens the family keeps in their backyard.
Some Westwood residents were surprised to learn that there are 36 properties in the borough where chickens are kept, but those who keep the birds say there's nothing to worry about. Cecilia Brennan has been keeping chickens since 2011. It was Brennan's son, Kevin, who first had the idea to get the chickens because of his interest in permaculture. He built a "roving coop" which they can move around to different parts of the yard, preventing any one spot from getting too torn up by the chickens' feet. None of their neighbors have ever complained — the birds don't make much noise — and there have been no problems with rodents or any kind of sickness, she said. "It's been a fun experience," Brennan said. "They seem happy." The Brennans have …
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Borough officials said at least 36 properties are already used for raising chickens.
Westwood officials are considering creating rules for raising chickens because there are already at least 36 properties in the borough with the birds, Councilman Ray Arroyo said Tuesday. The borough has received some complaints about properties with chickens, Arroyo said, but the zoning officer has not taken any action because there is currently no law. Mayor John Birkner also said one resident had brought concerns to him that they could attract rodents. "If we introduce this to the public, I expect some feathers to fly," Arroyo said. The practice of raising chickens for eggs and meat has become increasingly popular in recent years as part of the sustainability and homesteading movements, but the practice remains outlawed in some towns. …
Frances L Parise
11:23 pm on Monday, March 4, 2013
Fran Parise I have 4 beautiful, contented and loved chickens. My granddaughter named them and runs races with them and has tons of fun. They have a clean coop (daily) and a clean 10'x40' run. I asked each of my surrounding neighbors if they would allow me to have chickens and I check with them all regulary to see if they are a bother. NO one has ever complained. Food is kept in a metal can, coop … more ›