The New London Township Planning Commission Meeting opened at 7:05 PM. Present were: Ronald Ragan, Chair; Members Mary Anne Steel, Bob Barto, Jim Mark, Jack Weber & Charlie Humkey. The minutes were recorded by Kim Malone.
Parcells Family
Mr. Ragan turned the meeting over to the Parcells family that consisted of mother, father & young daughter. Mrs. Parcells spoke first and read about how their 5 chickens are their pets & providers. She stated that based on her residence in Hockessin, DE, she believed that only hooved animals were considered farm animals. She spoke of news stories that have become prevalent. She also spoke about being concerned about knowing where her food comes from and what is in the food that her family eats. She talked about how backyard chickens are healthier, contain less cholesterol, more vitamins, etc. She spoke of how economically it helps to get a free meal each week. Another issue Mrs. Parcells spoke of is that chickens eat ticks and since Lyme Disease is common in this area, this is important to her. Mrs. Parcells expressed her desire to live a “rural life.” Next, the Parcells’ daughter Veronica spoke. Veronica reported that she called several townships and boroughs in the area and asked if backyard chickens were allowed and received varied responses. Mr. Parcells distributed a proposed amendment to allow people to keep chickens (no roosters-due to crowing) in residential areas of New London Township. The proposed amendment gives the rationale for proposed change, environmental & eco-reasons, proposed guidelines, community standards, PA & nearby DE towns that allow keeping chickens, and a chart the examines residential urban chicken keeping in 25 US cities. Several of the members asked questions and it was decided that the Planning Commission will study and research chicken keeping issues on their own; Mr. Ragan feels that no action should be taken at this meeting.
Old Business Cook Brothers Land Development Plan
Mr. Ragan reported that there is no resolution with PennDOT, so there is nothing new to report.
Minutes
Mr. Ragan asked if there were any corrections or additions to the Minutes for 3/10/10. Mr. Humkey made a motion to approve minutes as presented and Mr. Barto seconded the motion. The 3/10/10 minutes were approved.
Public Comment
None.
New Business
None.
Adjournment
On a motion made by Mr. Barto and seconded by Ms. Steel and approved unanimously by the members present, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.