No chickens for the Town of Gordonsville.
Monday night, the town council voted against amending the town code to allow for the keeping of hens. The amendment would have allowed town residents to keep up to six hens on their property. Roosters, cocks, peafowl, turkeys and other poultry would have remained prohibited except on land zoned agricultural. Residents would have been required to apply for a “chicken keeping license” at an annual fee of $20 and would have been required to maintain the animals inside a suitable pen or enclosure with an emphasis on it being a safe and sanitary space.
During a public hearing on the proposed amendment, several residents voiced concerns regarding smells and the inability of neighbors to restrict their chickens to their own property.
Former town council member and town resident Theresa Lewis asked how the restrictions regarding enclosures and sanitary conditions would be enforced. She said those wishing to have fowl should consider locating outside of town.
Martinsburg Avenue resident Bettie Massey reiterated her concerns regarding chickens, stating a neighbor allows hers to be free range causing excrement and rodent problems.
Former town council member Liz Samra, who resides in the historic district, said town properties vary significantly in size and in some areas, chickens would be too close to a neighbor’s property.
“As close as we live now, there is a concern about odor,” she said. “I understand it would be great to get a fresh egg for breakfast, but we have to think about our neighbors and how it would be enforced.”
On the opposite side, two residents voiced their support for the ordinance amendment. Tom Gilbert said chickens are a good teaching tool for children who can acquire and raise them. He said agriculture is declining with children losing the ability to learn about it.
Owen Peterson agreed. He suggested council take it one step further by allowing all companion animals so long as they are kept in a suitable pen or enclosure on someone’s property.
Vice mayor Emily Winkey disagreed. She said she had spoken to several residents who opposed the ordinance change, stating she would be voting against it.
Council member Stevean Irving, II said he grew up with chickens in the yard, so allowing them doesn’t bother him. He suggested evaluating the issue further and perhaps allowing poultry in some areas of the town.
“I understand why people may not want it,” he said. “If you come over to my side, we’re used to it.”
Winkey said an ordinance change would impact the entire town, not just select areas.
Mayor Ronald Brooks, III said he likes the idea of chickens in town, but said the public hearing reflected that folks aren’t in favor of it.
“The majority has spoken,” council member Nicholas Paxton said.
Winkey made a motion that the council not move forward with the ordinance amendment. It was seconded and approved unanimously.
