Housing Committee Of Lakewood City Council Meets On September 8th To Discuss Hen-Keeping Pilot Program

Katherine Hilow, a Lakewood hen hopeful, shares her enthusiasm with Councilmember Cindy Marx for a possible location for her chicken coop should hen-keeping be allowed.

As the movement for backyard hen-keeping continues to gain momentum, Lakewood will be making a decision whether or not to allow residents to raise hens and how to efficiently regulate backyard hen-keeping for personal use. Many nearby communities have successfully permitted their residents to own a small number of hens and found that urban hens are pets with benefits – the benefit of not only farm fresh eggs but also the building of community within neighborhoods.

Councilmembers O’Leary, Bullock and Marx introduced the Resolution for a Hen-Keeping Pilot Program to Council on July 16th. This proposed resolution is an important step toward achieving the City’s boarder goals of increased access to affordable, healthy and sustainably produced food.

Contrary to what some believe, hens are quieter than barking dogs, less destructive than feral cats. Chickens actually eat pests such as flies, fleas, ants mosquitos, slugs and even mice. Thanks to the “Hens of Lakewood,” an active group of hen hopefuls have worked hard to make sure all aspects of backyard hen-keeping are addressed and have excellent information available for those who have questions and concerns about keeping hens in Lakewood.

From Council this proposed Resolution was sent to the Housing Committee for deliberation. David Anderson, Ward 1 Council Representative and Chairman of the Housing Committee is determined to bring a fair, lengthy and respectful discussion over all points of the proposed Resolution. All residents of Lakewood who are interested in the outcome of Council’s discussion are welcome and encouraged to attend the Housing Committee meeting on September 8th, 6 p.m. at City Hall.

 

Cindy Marx

Cindy Marx, Council at Large

Read More on City
Volume 10, Issue 18, Posted 4:26 PM, 09.02.2014