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Resident asks board to modernize one‑acre rule for backyard hens
Summary
Cynthia Thomas Hutchins asked the board to consider changing the town's one‑acre requirement for backyard hens so smaller‑lot residents can keep a limited number of hens under clear rules; the board said it will not decide tonight and suggested a roundtable, an agenda warning or a petition to place the issue on the ballot.
Cynthia Thomas Hutchins (speaker 11) addressed the Select Board during a two‑minute public‑comment slot and asked the town to update its one‑acre requirement for backyard hens. She said the current rule excludes many families on smaller lots and urged the board to "consider reviewing and modernizing the ordinance to allow a responsible number of hens under clear and enforceable guidelines."
Board members said the topic was not on the night's warned agenda and encouraged Cynthia to raise it at a future roundtable or to organize a petition to place the issue on the town meeting ballot. One board member explained enforcement challenges and noted that past enforcement attempts had been difficult; another said the board would listen to both supporters and opponents on a properly warned agenda.
