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Support and opposition surface as councilor re‑files backyard‑hen proposal; order sent to joint committee
Summary
Public commenters urged the council to allow backyard hens for food security and education, while one commenter invoked cultural bias in opposing views. Councilor Patty Devine reintroduced an order on backyard hens and the council sent the item to the joint committee for further review, with involvement from the Board of Health discussed.
Speakers at the Feb. 4 City Council meeting urged councilors to revisit a proposal to allow backyard hens in Holyoke, highlighting food security, sustainability and educational benefits. The council agreed to refer the order to the joint committee for further review and asked the Board of Health to be involved.
Libby Hernandez of 245 Walnut Street told the council she supported an ordinance to allow residents with small lots to keep backyard hens, saying eggs would help families facing rising grocery prices and that nearby cities such as Springfield and Northampton already allow hens. She noted a prior attempt in 2021 was voted down and said she hoped the Board of Health and new council leadership could move the measure forward.
Megha Hernandez, also of 245 Walnut Street (speaking by Zoom), said hens provide a steady, low‑cost supply of fresh food, reduce waste and teach children animal care skills. She told the council that with appropriate rules “concerns about noise and cleanliness wouldn’t be an issue.”
Jose Gonzalez of 139 Hillside also spoke in favor, but used language that he described as challenging a stereotype, saying he has heard complaints from some residents about “dirty chickens” and urged the council to rely on the Board of Health to manage any problems.
Councilor Patty Devine, who filed the order to reintroduce permission for backyard hens, asked that the measure be sent to the joint committee and suggested the Board of Health be included in discussions. The council suspended rules and took the item (listed as Item 8 and companion Item 35) up as a package and sent both to the joint committee for review.
Ending
The item will be discussed in the joint committee with input from the Board of Health; no ordinance was enacted at this meeting.
