Kincaid board debates restoring agriculture zoning for Garden Street lots; residents seek goat and chicken exemptions

The committee reviewed historical maps and recent zoning changes for Garden Street lots 1–16 and considered whether to reinstate an agricultural designation or create a local exception to allow limited livestock.

Mayor Tony Pezze read summarized historical language describing garden patches dating to 1913, and Committee member Broccardo and others said the county and village zoning records diverge — with a county map showing agricultural uses that village records list as residential after 2003. Resident Clare and others said they had historically used parcels for small-scale farming and urged the village to permit chickens and goats. Clare asked why longstanding practices were now restricted, saying she is “pretty far away from everybody” and that neighbors would not have an issue with a few animals.

Board members discussed narrow, permanent exemptions for lots 1–16 to avoid setting a village-wide precedent. Committee member Broccardo described a prior court exchange and argued the village should allow two goats (with a limited grace period for any offspring) and a modest number of chickens. Committee member Paso suggested writing an ordinance that either designates properties zoned AG as agricultural or explicitly exempts the Garden Street lots, but warned that inconsistent rules could create conflicts elsewhere in town. The board agreed to continue drafting options and return the matter to a future agenda; no ordinance vote occurred.