Politics & Government

Discussion About Urban Farming in Forest Hills is Far From Over

Forest Hills Council will continue to discuss the possibility of allowing people to raise chickens and bees at the committee level.

Forest Hills residents remain divided about whether or not people should be allowed to raise chickens and bees in the borough.

At Wednesday's council meeting, many residents in the packed council chambers continued to discuss the pros and cons about changing the current borough ordinance that prohibits urban farming. Officials also stressed that the discussions are ongoing and will continue.

Those in favor of changing the ordinance highlighted a resident's freedom of choice to live greener lifestyles, and to eat fresh, organic food. Those opposing it submitted petitions and raised concerns about safety, health, enforcement and property values.

Find out what's happening in Forest Hills-Regent Squarewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Resident Anna Chorazi, a former pediatrician, said she remembered when the borough did allow people to raise chickens. However, she said the chickens were a nuisance at the time and she is concerned about salmonella.

Resident Paige Forrest said other household pets, such as cats and dogs, also can carry diseases.

Find out what's happening in Forest Hills-Regent Squarewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We can get diseases from the animals all around us," Forrest said.

Resident Gloria Madden suggested that council require neighboring residents to sign off on chicken coupes or bee colonies before a permit is issued.

Some residents offered their expertise on urban farming, and some volunteered to help the borough enforce ordinances.

Others asked officials to put the matter up for a referendum vote during the upcoming election.

However, Councilwoman Devon Wood and borough solicitor Steve Korbel said that is not allowed by law.

Looking ahead

Officials also are going to hear from several specialists regarding chicken raising in an urban setting at the May 2 operations and policy committee meeting.

Earlier this month, officials heard from Stephen Repasky, a master beekeeper, wildlife biologist and a founder of Burgh Bees, regarding bee keeping in residential areas. Now, Wood said officials are ready to tackle specific language for an ordinance.

Requirements could include registering all bee colonies with the state in accordance to state law, applying for an annual permit, undergoing a one-time inspection with the borough code enforcement officer and taking an introductory bee keeping class.

Wood also suggested that bee colonies be located at least 10 feet from an owner's property line (50 feet if there's a pool or permanently tethered animal), and that residents limit hives to two for every 2,000 square feet of property.

Wood stressed that officials are taking the matter very seriously.

The committee meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the borough building.

______________________

"Like" Patch on Facebook. | Follow us on Twitter. | Sign up for our daily email newsletter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Forest Hills-Regent Square