What's the worst that can happen? That some chickens wander over to a neighbors property and rid them of all their ticks. Heck let the guy raise chickens. The way the economy is going he may be onto something. Good Luck Mr Trella

Ditto. I think it's a great idea and a sustainable practice.

If he followed proper procedure for, uh, dispatching and storing the critters perhaps he could even sell to the new grocery store.

How cool would it be to buy chickens raised in Cornwall in a Cornwall supermarket?

Wow! Thank you Mr. Welch I appreciate your support. Funny thing - I sent a letter to Joe Gross after a brief road side discussion last weekend asking about the current ordinance, and the procedure IF I decided to pursue the matter. Next thing I know I stumble on it in the Cornwall Local AND this site. No problem - I just find it humorous that what started as a simple request for information about the current law and what I need to do to get permission has spawned two mentions in our local media. If I'd realized it was going to come up at a meeting I'd have made sure to be there. When I am ready to pursue - I'll approach the board.

However, I am also a little curious as to the way the ordinance is worded and whether it actually prevents the keeping of fowl - or - just the free ranging of them. What I was supplied by the Village Hall states: Chapter 48-1 states : It shall be unlawful for any cattle, horses, sheep goats or fowl to run at large or be pastured in any public place or street in said Village."
I am no lawyer - but they WON'T be "run at large" or "pastured in any public place or street... " They'd be on private land and enclosed. So by "street" do they mean the litteral street? Or on any property on any street in the village? I have to assume the latter. Just thought it funny because I obviously wouldn't want them in the street. ;-)

As for the intent - to raise a handful of chickens in a moveable "chicken tractor" (a moveable enclosure) about 4' x 8' for the purpose of gathering fresh eggs. By moving them around the property they wouldn't create one big stinky pile of droppings but rather would fertilize my lawn. We're not talking about "farming" or a commercial operation but a handful of pets that happen to provide eggs.

Sincere thanks to the Mayor for bringing my question to the board.

Regards,
Chuck Trella

Thanks Ted for your comment - though I wouldn't be prepared to try this on a commercial scale - at least not on my tiny 1 acre property (most of which is unusable slope overlooking Dock Hill Rd.)

Though I hope someone else better situated would condider it! How great it is to have our own grocery again!!!

To much red tape - let the man have his chickens! We do live in the country - heck I have vultures that have been living in the trees in my backyard for the past month! I'd trade vultures for chickens anytime! So...okay the vultures are wild but I'd still rather have chickens.

Chickens are great. There are so many benefits to having them around. Bug control, natural fertilizer, eggs, etc. Just check out Jones Farm if you want to see an example of beautiful free range chickens.

Chicks For Chuck!

I also think allowing chickens is a good idea for the town and village!

Thanks everyone for your warm support. J Klein - my wife got a good chuckle out of the "Chicks for Chuck" slogan and was going to make a sign for the lawn - till she thought about it a little more. ;-)
One thing though about this article that I found curious. "Town residents can raise chickens, too, as long as they have at least 4,000 square feet of open lot area per bird." Am I the only one who thinks this just a tad excessive? I mean - does a single chicken actually need FOUR THOUSAND sq feet of space? Of course not. That's bigger than my entire house (more than double actually) and we have 6 adults in our family. That's just insane. Thankfully - I am not in the Town, but the Village. Can someone tell me what exactly I need to do (formally) to request the variance? Just show up to a Village Board meeting and ask to speak to make the request? Is there any paperwork to complete? I've never done this before. Thanks again for your voices of support.

I have more of a problem with people who let their dogs fertilize my front lawn than someone who wants to raise chickens. Let him do it!