Dad's here on a visit and one of the chickens have taken a liking to him.
Showing posts with label chickens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chickens. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Saturday, September 12, 2009
No backyard chickens for ConcordJulie Rose Friday September 11, 2009
Keeping chickens as pets is a nationwide trend, and many major cities, including Charlotte, have changed their laws to accommodate backyard coops. But the City of Concord last night cried foul, voting to keep the chicken craze at bay. WFAE's Julie Rose reports: About 65 Concord residents created a Facebook page and spent the last six months trying to convince city officials to let them farm chickens in their backyards. Current city law prohibits livestock in areas zoned for single families. The chicken amendment would have limited families to six hens for personal egg production only. Roosters would never be allowed and chicken coops would have to meet a strict set of standards. After a brief public hearing, the Concord City Council rejected the proposal on a vote of 3 to 2, much to the dismay of Tanya ****** who moved to Concord in 2007. "They're not being progressive with their thinking," said Tanya ******. "They're not being supportive of the local food movement. So we feel like there's an underlying racism. They've made comments about other cultures before. So we really feel like it's about other cultures that they won't approve this amendment." At the Concord hearing last night, Kay Raiford was the only person to speak against the amendment. She says she lived in a Florida neighborhood where backyard chickens were noisy, messy and unbecoming of a "first-world" country. "Nor do I think that we should use tax dollars to have somebody - a government employee - monitor this," said Raiford. "It's a waste of tax dollars and basically it leads to a lower quality of life." The issue has been a divisive one in many cities, including Charlotte, which last year passed an ordinance to allow chickens in residential areas, although neighborhood covenant restrictions generally take precedence. 2 COMMENTS >>Leave a comment
Kay Raiford needs her head examined. Growing up surrounded by wealth and having all your needs met is a luxury not all of us have had. What about the yappy dog next door? Your racial & cultural innuendos are very apparent. Shame on you!
Comment by iceman - September 11, 2009 1:09 PM
What's next, banning dogs in the backyard? In my opinion Kay Raiford's twist on tax dollars is shallow and mindless at best. Our tax dollars are already paying a government employee to monitor animals; I believe it's called Animal control. "Unbecoming of a first-world country" Sounds like a comment made over a glass of sherry at the local Country Club. Wake up! Sure roosters should be banned, but a few hens for food is a right the people should have.
Comment by Lance000000000000000 - September 11, 2009 12:41 PM
Keeping chickens as pets is a nationwide trend, and many major cities, including Charlotte, have changed their laws to accommodate backyard coops. But the City of Concord last night cried foul, voting to keep the chicken craze at bay. WFAE's Julie Rose reports: About 65 Concord residents created a Facebook page and spent the last six months trying to convince city officials to let them farm chickens in their backyards. Current city law prohibits livestock in areas zoned for single families. The chicken amendment would have limited families to six hens for personal egg production only. Roosters would never be allowed and chicken coops would have to meet a strict set of standards. After a brief public hearing, the Concord City Council rejected the proposal on a vote of 3 to 2, much to the dismay of Tanya ****** who moved to Concord in 2007. "They're not being progressive with their thinking," said Tanya ******. "They're not being supportive of the local food movement. So we feel like there's an underlying racism. They've made comments about other cultures before. So we really feel like it's about other cultures that they won't approve this amendment." At the Concord hearing last night, Kay Raiford was the only person to speak against the amendment. She says she lived in a Florida neighborhood where backyard chickens were noisy, messy and unbecoming of a "first-world" country. "Nor do I think that we should use tax dollars to have somebody - a government employee - monitor this," said Raiford. "It's a waste of tax dollars and basically it leads to a lower quality of life." The issue has been a divisive one in many cities, including Charlotte, which last year passed an ordinance to allow chickens in residential areas, although neighborhood covenant restrictions generally take precedence. 2 COMMENTS >>Leave a comment
Kay Raiford needs her head examined. Growing up surrounded by wealth and having all your needs met is a luxury not all of us have had. What about the yappy dog next door? Your racial & cultural innuendos are very apparent. Shame on you!
Comment by iceman - September 11, 2009 1:09 PM
What's next, banning dogs in the backyard? In my opinion Kay Raiford's twist on tax dollars is shallow and mindless at best. Our tax dollars are already paying a government employee to monitor animals; I believe it's called Animal control. "Unbecoming of a first-world country" Sounds like a comment made over a glass of sherry at the local Country Club. Wake up! Sure roosters should be banned, but a few hens for food is a right the people should have.
Comment by Lance000000000000000 - September 11, 2009 12:41 PM
Friday, September 11, 2009
NPR was at the meeting last night (as well as the news media for the paper and t.v.) I was listening to NPR this morning (as I do most mornings) and they aired some of my interview with the reporter. They really reported accurately what happened(unlike the t.v. news media) and I'm so happy I was on there! I feel like a little chicken celebrity!
Well, the chicken's were denied. The City Council had made up there mind even before we showed up. Even after we had a large attendance of supporters and only 1 person opposing. Even though I have one foot out the door already with our home for sale I still wanted to see this through. I had started this process in late January and really needed to fulfill my commitment...plus there were 60 other residents counting on me being present. I really learned alot in this process. I learned that I can speak publicly without freaking out. I was super scared the first time especially when you have alot of eyes watching you from behind and your speaking to a panel that is *above* you..I mean that literally there panel is higher that where the presenter stands. That really gets on my nerves. Here these are officials that WE elected yet they sit on a panel higher than us...but I digress...
It taught me alot about politics and how it doesn't matter if you present facts or have a strong case. It doesn't matter if the public wants something..what matters is what THEY want, what THEY this is best for them, not the general public.
It taught me that the politicians in our town have some underlying racism issues. They have repeatedly (in the P&Z sector) made comments about *other cultures* and how they didn't think the other cultures(meaning Mexicans) wouldn't comply with our lengthly amendment. Well, news flash, there are already people keeping chickens illegally we were just trying to be responsible citizens and go about this legally. Why penalize us for other people that don't follow the rules?
Well, after this process it just confirms my beliefs more that you have to take care of your own family because the government isn't looking out for your best interest... just there own. I will continue to discuss with D the benefits of owning our own land with no restrictions so we can do as we please-to raise our own meat for food, to have our own organic gardens free from GMO's and other industrial products intending on polluting our food sources. To be as self sufficient as possible and to remember that our heavenly Father is in charge...he wants what is best for us and wants us to use our minds and our hands for good.
It taught me alot about politics and how it doesn't matter if you present facts or have a strong case. It doesn't matter if the public wants something..what matters is what THEY want, what THEY this is best for them, not the general public.
It taught me that the politicians in our town have some underlying racism issues. They have repeatedly (in the P&Z sector) made comments about *other cultures* and how they didn't think the other cultures(meaning Mexicans) wouldn't comply with our lengthly amendment. Well, news flash, there are already people keeping chickens illegally we were just trying to be responsible citizens and go about this legally. Why penalize us for other people that don't follow the rules?
Well, after this process it just confirms my beliefs more that you have to take care of your own family because the government isn't looking out for your best interest... just there own. I will continue to discuss with D the benefits of owning our own land with no restrictions so we can do as we please-to raise our own meat for food, to have our own organic gardens free from GMO's and other industrial products intending on polluting our food sources. To be as self sufficient as possible and to remember that our heavenly Father is in charge...he wants what is best for us and wants us to use our minds and our hands for good.
Council: Concord yards no place for chickens to roost
By Karen Cimino Wilson Independent Tribune
Published: September 11, 2009
Concord chickens will have to stay on the farm despite the efforts of a group of residents that organized on Facebook to change a city ordinance, allowing urban residents to keep up to six hens on their property.
Concord City Council voted 3-2 against changing the Concord Development Ordinance to allow the hens. The vote followed a public hearing on the proposal.
Most of the speakers at the public hearing were members of the Concord Chicken Club, a Facebook group that worked to raise the $400 fee required by the city to propose a text amendment to a city ordinance.
In February, resident Tanya ****** submitted a letter to the city requesting a change to the city's development ordinance and code of ordinances that would permit residents to maintain chickens on their property. She presented her request to the Concord Planning and Zoning Commission in May.
The commission expressed concerns about the appearance and structural integrity of the henhouse, permitting enforcement and waste management.
On July 21, the commission ended in a split vote on the change, which meant it went to the city council for a vote.
Tanya ****** said Thursday the proposed change developed out of a local food movement, which favors growing food locally to feed local people and reduce reliance on food sources that must be shipped to the community from all over the country.
Lateef Jackson, a Concord resident who lives on Cabarrus Avenue, spoke in favor of the change.
"If anyone had told me a year and a half ago when I moved in that I'd be speaking about a yard chicken movement, I would have said they're crazy," Jackson said.
But now he wants the option of raising his own chickens in his backyard.
"Decades ago, people in this community used to have gardens and hens in their yard for the same reason we want it now," he said.
The Concord Chicken Club specifically wanted to be allowed to have hens in their yards for the fresh eggs, members said. They had no interest in breeding or slaughtering the chickens.
The proposed ordinance would have prohibited roosters from being kept on the sites where hens were allowed.
Concord resident Aaron Newton said the waste hens produce can be used as fertilizer for gardens, they eat bugs and "best of all, they're a great source of great tasting eggs. Backyard eggs taste far better than commercial eggs."
One person spoke against the amendment, stating it would decrease the quality of life in Concord.
Council member Jim Ramseur said the reason why he voted to deny the change was that he didn't think it was best for the city as a whole.
"This is not just an issue of chickens. The planning and zoning commission gave us a negative recommendation," he said. "It's up to us to say what is best for the 80,000 citizens of Concord."
*I edited this article to take out my last name for our protection*
By Karen Cimino Wilson Independent Tribune
Published: September 11, 2009
Concord chickens will have to stay on the farm despite the efforts of a group of residents that organized on Facebook to change a city ordinance, allowing urban residents to keep up to six hens on their property.
Concord City Council voted 3-2 against changing the Concord Development Ordinance to allow the hens. The vote followed a public hearing on the proposal.
Most of the speakers at the public hearing were members of the Concord Chicken Club, a Facebook group that worked to raise the $400 fee required by the city to propose a text amendment to a city ordinance.
In February, resident Tanya ****** submitted a letter to the city requesting a change to the city's development ordinance and code of ordinances that would permit residents to maintain chickens on their property. She presented her request to the Concord Planning and Zoning Commission in May.
The commission expressed concerns about the appearance and structural integrity of the henhouse, permitting enforcement and waste management.
On July 21, the commission ended in a split vote on the change, which meant it went to the city council for a vote.
Tanya ****** said Thursday the proposed change developed out of a local food movement, which favors growing food locally to feed local people and reduce reliance on food sources that must be shipped to the community from all over the country.
Lateef Jackson, a Concord resident who lives on Cabarrus Avenue, spoke in favor of the change.
"If anyone had told me a year and a half ago when I moved in that I'd be speaking about a yard chicken movement, I would have said they're crazy," Jackson said.
But now he wants the option of raising his own chickens in his backyard.
"Decades ago, people in this community used to have gardens and hens in their yard for the same reason we want it now," he said.
The Concord Chicken Club specifically wanted to be allowed to have hens in their yards for the fresh eggs, members said. They had no interest in breeding or slaughtering the chickens.
The proposed ordinance would have prohibited roosters from being kept on the sites where hens were allowed.
Concord resident Aaron Newton said the waste hens produce can be used as fertilizer for gardens, they eat bugs and "best of all, they're a great source of great tasting eggs. Backyard eggs taste far better than commercial eggs."
One person spoke against the amendment, stating it would decrease the quality of life in Concord.
Council member Jim Ramseur said the reason why he voted to deny the change was that he didn't think it was best for the city as a whole.
"This is not just an issue of chickens. The planning and zoning commission gave us a negative recommendation," he said. "It's up to us to say what is best for the 80,000 citizens of Concord."
*I edited this article to take out my last name for our protection*
Concord City Council considers letting chickens live on residential property
By Karen Cimino Wilson Independent Tribune
Published: September 8, 2009
Concord residents may soon be allowed to house chickens on their residential property.
The city will host a public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday on a proposed amendment to the Concord Development Ordinance that would allow residents to have up to six hens on their property. Roosters will never be allowed, however, according to city officials. Slaughtering chickens will also be prohibited.
In February 2009, in Concord resident Tanya ****** submitted a letter to the city requesting a change to the city's development ordinance and code of ordinances that would permit residents to maintain chickens on their property. She presented her request to the Concord Planning and Zoning Commission at its May meeting.
The commission tabled the request to allow the applicant to address some of their concerns.
The commission's concerns included the appearance and structural integrity of the henhouse, permitting, enforcement and waste management.
On July 21, the commission ended in a split vote on the change, which means the city council must vote on it.
Concord prohibits property owners from keeping livestock, or traditional farm animals, from living on property not designated as agricultural. Council members asked whether there had been any other exceptions to the rule.
"Horse are allowed under the Concord Development Ordinance on other larger properties," said city attorney Albert Benshoff.
Concord City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the council chambers in the Municipal Building at 26 S. Union St., Concord
*I edited out my last name*
By Karen Cimino Wilson Independent Tribune
Published: September 8, 2009
Concord residents may soon be allowed to house chickens on their residential property.
The city will host a public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday on a proposed amendment to the Concord Development Ordinance that would allow residents to have up to six hens on their property. Roosters will never be allowed, however, according to city officials. Slaughtering chickens will also be prohibited.
In February 2009, in Concord resident Tanya ****** submitted a letter to the city requesting a change to the city's development ordinance and code of ordinances that would permit residents to maintain chickens on their property. She presented her request to the Concord Planning and Zoning Commission at its May meeting.
The commission tabled the request to allow the applicant to address some of their concerns.
The commission's concerns included the appearance and structural integrity of the henhouse, permitting, enforcement and waste management.
On July 21, the commission ended in a split vote on the change, which means the city council must vote on it.
Concord prohibits property owners from keeping livestock, or traditional farm animals, from living on property not designated as agricultural. Council members asked whether there had been any other exceptions to the rule.
"Horse are allowed under the Concord Development Ordinance on other larger properties," said city attorney Albert Benshoff.
Concord City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the council chambers in the Municipal Building at 26 S. Union St., Concord
*I edited out my last name*
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