Unity to hold special meeting regarding backyard chickens

Unity supervisors will hold a special meeting Thursday regarding whether backyard chickens should be allowed in residential areas and on any properties of less than 2 acres.

The supervisors agreed to schedule the informational session — set for 6 p.m. in the pavilion behind the township building — after dozens of residents who wanted to speak on the hot topic were turned away from the board’s regular meeting this week.

They stressed that no action will be taken next Thursday’s session.

Because of social distancing guidelines, the audience inside the supervisors’ meeting room was limited to about a dozen, many of whom attended to speak on the chicken issue.

Mary Raneri, a township resident who said she supports backyard chickens,was among those left waiting outside the building and wasn’t happy with how township officials handled the situation.

“We all had a lot to say,” she said. “It’s up to them to have provisions in place for their citizens.”

Solicitor Gary Falatovich advised the board not to accept comments until a special session could be held in a venue spacious enough to safely accommodate all who wanted to have their say in a single group.

“We want to be fair to everybody,” supervisors Chairman John Mylant said.

Township officials noted the outdoor setting for the special meeting will allow for a gathering of more than 25 people. Those attending, however, will have to wear masks and observe social distancing.

Seating may be limited, and officials encouraged attendees to bring lawn chairs.

“I believe we will be able to accommodate everyone who wants to come and speak,” said Supervisor Mike O’Barto.

Among those who attended the last meeting and plan to return are Kristin and Jeff Kuhns, whose 20 backyard chickens are at the center of the debate.

Following the complaint of a Lawson Heights neighbor, they received a violation notice because their property is less than an acre. The township requires at least 2 acres for raising chickens.

The family has appealed to the zoning hearing board, which is scheduled to hear their case Aug. 25. Their other options were to get rid of their birds or face a daily fine of $300.

The Kuhnses started a petition on Change.org advocating for a change in township regulations, to allow chickens to be considered pets and to be raised in a residential backyard as a hobby. As of Friday, it had gathered more than 1,100 supporters.

A rival online petition opposes chickens in Unity’s residential areas. It had about 50 signatures Friday. That petition cites crowing roosters and attraction of predators among objections to backyard chickens.

The Kuhnses say they’ve seen no sign of predators and are able to control crowing by keeping their five roosters under a dark covering overnight. They say they’ve given surplus eggs to other residents.

The chickens all have names and distinct personalities and are treated as pets, according to Kristin Kuhns. She said the birds have “definitely been emotionally supportive. During the pandemic, everyone’s super stressed-out. It’s giving me something to concentrate on.”