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City Council sends backyard-chicken petition to committee after heated public debate
Summary
The Worcester City Council voted to send a petition to allow backyard chickens to the Economic Development Committee after extended public comment and split reactions from councilors; proponents cited equity and simple permitting, opponents raised health, rodent and enforcement concerns.
The Worcester City Council voted May 6 to refer a citizen petition that would allow backyard chickens in the city to the Economic Development Committee for a required public hearing.
Proponents who spoke during public participation urged the council to adopt a simple permit model and avoid zoning limits that would exclude lower-income neighborhoods. “SMART is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound,” said Yenny Daroche, a District 5 resident, urging measurable criteria for oversight. Supporters said other Massachusetts cities use concise rules and permitting to manage concerns and suggested the city…
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