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Blakely council adopts measures including curative zoning amendment to allow backyard chickens
Summary
On June 15, 2026, the Blakely Borough Council adopted multiple ordinances and resolutions — including a curative zoning amendment (Resolution 25 of 2026) that permits chickens under set conditions — and authorized advertising a broader zoning update. All measures passed by unanimous voice vote.
Blakely Borough Council on June 15 adopted a series of local measures, including a curative amendment to the borough zoning ordinance to allow chickens under specified conditions, and moved to advertise broader zoning updates.
The actions came after Solicitor Atty. Abrahamsen asked the council to adopt Ordinance 5 of 2026 (amending the Blakely Borough Electric Light Ordinance) and Ordinance 6 of 2026 (establishing a Certificate of Occupancy requirement). Council voted to adopt both ordinances on motions recorded by the solicitor. The council also adopted Resolution 24 of 2026 expressing support for Safe Streets Lackawanna, and Resolution 25 of 2026, a curative amendment to allow chickens under certain conditions within Blakely Borough; each passed by voice vote with all ayes.
Council then authorized staff to advertise a proposed amendment to the Blakely Borough Zoning Ordinance to allow chickens and other updates. The authorization to advertise passed on a motion and unanimous ayes, which begins the public-notice process required before any zoning change is finalized.
Why it matters: the curative amendment and the decision to advertise zoning updates set in motion a formal process that could change residential land-use rules in the borough. Residents will have future opportunities to review and comment once the draft amendment is advertised and the public hearing is scheduled.
The meeting record shows each adoption was made by motion and recorded as “all ayes.” Resolution 25 (the curative amendment allowing chickens) was accepted on a motion by Joseph Munley, seconded by Michael Henzes. The authorization to advertise the zoning amendment was moved by Jeff Cruciani and seconded by Michael Henzes. Mrs. Gillow, speaking during public comment, thanked council for advancing the chicken ordinance for borough residents.
Next steps: advertising the zoning amendment begins the formal notice and comment timeline; the council will schedule public hearings and further votes before any change takes effect.
