Politics & Government

Urban Farming May 'Bee' in Forest Hills' Future

Forest Hills Council is looking into allowing residents to raise chickens and bees.

Forest Hills Council is considering making the borough "urban farm" friendly—and some council members are bee-lievers.

Officials are discussing allowing residents to raise chickens and honey bees in the borough. However, they are tackling the issues separately.

At an operations and policy committee meeting earlier this week, officials combed through information and suggestions pertaining to honey bees.

Several residents were in attendance for the discussion, but council didn't take public comment on the issue. Councilwoman Devon Wood invited residents to listen to the information presented and make their comments at the business meeting on April 17.

Guest speaker Stephen Repasky, a master beekeeper, wildlife biologist and a founder of Burgh Bees, presented information about raising honey bees. He said Forest Hills is one of many communities exploring the possibility of allowing residents to become beekeepers.

Though some residents have had concerns about bee stings, swarming, code enforcement issues and a decrease in property value, Repasky said education is key.

Repasky's presentation included the following information:

  • Honeybees are docile insects that only sting as a defense mechanism. If a honeybee does sting someone, they lose their stinger and their life.
  • Honeybees commonly are mistaken for other bee species—wasps, yellow jackets, hornets—that are aggressive in nature.
  • Honeybees are important to garden and plant pollination. There is a growing concern over colony collapse disorder, a phenomenon in which worker bees from a beehive or European honey bee colony abruptly disappear. That is affecting the pollination of plants important to human food sources, according to Repasky.
  • Fewer than 2 percent of people have a true allergy to honey bee stings—meaning they experience anaphylactic shock if stung.

One resident in attendance mentioned that some neighborhood children must carry an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) in the event that they do experience allergic reactions.

"We preach education at Burgh Bees," Repasky said. "A little bit of education goes a long way."

Wood suggested several requirements be mandated should an ordinance allowing the practice be adopted. Requirements 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.

Colonies also are inspected every other year by the state, Repasky said.

Wood also suggested that bee colonies be located at least 10 feet from an owner's property line, and that residents limit hives to two for every 2,000 square feet of property.

"Many people would be able to legally have two," Wood said.

Councilman Bill Tomasic reminded residents that they could call borough officials and the code enforcement officer if they experience problems in the future.

"If there's a concern, give us a call," he said.

Wood said she was very much in favor of giving residents the option to keep bees, noting that she hasn't encountered any evidence suggesting that it would increase safety and code enforcement problems.

"This is very much in keeping with our vision and mission," she said. "It's a win-win for a place we've worked so hard to beautify, and it's a win-win for the environment."

Officials were going to work on drafting an ordinance allowing beekeeping in the borough. The issue is expected to remain in the committee level until next month.

"I would encourage folks to continue to research and open their minds about the possibility of urban agriculture," Wood said.

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