WEST MILFORD — The township council will finally vote on whether residents can keep hens on their properties that are less than one acre in size. The public hearing and vote is set to take place at the council's next meeting on Aug. 21.
Currently, the township allows chickens on properties of one acre or more. Last February, a group of 4-H members came to the council and asked to have the ordinance changed so that those living on less than an acre could raise hens as well. It was sparked by one of the members, Brendan, who lives on just less than one acre and wants to have chickens of his own.
Most council members embraced the idea. All agreed to put it on the agenda in March. Councilman Ed Rosone, who was not at the presentation in February, has been skeptical, saying that allowing chickens on the smaller properties could attract predators, such as bear, to neighborhoods. Councilwoman Vivienne Erk suggested an alternative - create a community farm, similar to the community garden. That way, she said, people who want to care for chickens will have a place to go without changing the ordinance and bringing chickens onto small properties.
Council members Ada Erik, Mike Hensley, CarlLa Horton and Lou Signorino have shown support for changing the ordinance.
Two ordinance changes are proposed: one allows for keeping poultry on less than one acre of land and the other gives specifics to regulate it. The regulations include a limit of six hens on any property less than one acre, housing requirements for the hens, waste management rules and feed maintenance along with penalties for not complying.
Many have come out to support this change, saying it is a sustainable way to provide wholesome food for a family, while some others have opposed it. Their arguments include the inability of the township to enforce the new ordinance. Township administrator Nancy Gage said the Health Department "expressed concern with enforcement" since their staff is already overburdened.
Still others are just tired of talking about chickens. It's been a topic for the council for the past five months.
Mayor Bettina Bieri said the council should be specific in the ordinance, if they choose to support it.
"Give guidance and make clear what needs to be done to raise chickens," she said.