I seek support for allowing chickens in Chester.  We live in a rural setting that could be quite open for raising chickens responsibly, yet many major cities like Denver, Seattle, Phoenix, Baltimore, New York City, and Salt Lake City are more progressive in allowing chickens in their communities than we are. If these cities can find a way to allow chickens--with proper attention to their care and sanitation, regulations like no roosters within city limits, and consideration for our neighbors--certainly we can, too.

Chickens would be a great project for in-town families. Though our community supports 4H programs, we seem to be missing an opportunity to allow a way for in-town families to be more self-sufficient, as well as have an environmentally-friendly and practical project for teaching responsibility and food production. Recently the concerns over COVID-19 and public interaction show how practical it would be to have a more self-sufficient way of obtaining basic food needs. 

I know our town council once considered this prospect, but not enough people responded in support to bring it to pass. I understand some had concerns about chickens lowering property values, but research has shown this is not true. In fact, some places that are more progressive offer free starter chicken kits with the purchase of a house to appeal to families. Please respond to this petition in favor of allowing chickens so we can bring it back to the town council for approval. Your support would be much appreciated!