Little resident input on backyard chickens

The City of Marion has given its first reading to allow backyard chickens. What is interesting is that the presenters making the plea were out-of-towners there to support one Marion resident. The council made this decision with little public notification. They received more “no” letters from the few people who read the Marion Times than they did letters of support for urban “fowl.”

A disturbing clause in the ordinance states that you must notify your neighbors that you will be housing chickens. If any of your neighbors object, too bad, you can still have six chickens. The proponents of the ordinance stated that having chickens next door will not lower your property values. Really?

I moved to Marion to live in the “city,” not live next to chickens, ducks or potbellied pigs. I did not expect the City Council to make such an important decision with so little input from its residents. This should go to a vote of the citizens, not let a minority group have such sway.

There is still time; let the council know how you feel about having “fowl” live next door. Call, email or attend the next council meeting and let them know that chickens don't belong in residential neighborhoods.

Tom Lammers

Marion