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YONKERS, N.Y. Talk of the birds and the bees has divided Yonkers and its City Council, largely along partisan lines.
Council members are considering two pieces of legislation, one to allow city residents to raise chickens and another the keeping of bees.
The debate has pitted environmentalists, organic farmers and a number of Democrats against Republicans leaders and opponents of the idea.
It seems like politics is dominating here and Im not sure why, City Council President Chuck Lesnick said.
The two sides laid out the pros and cons of the proposals Tuesday at an open hearing prior to the City Council meeting.
Supporters say the proposals would increase sustainable food opportunities while providing environmental benefits and even educational opportunities.
And they point to places like San Diego, New York City and Pittsburgh, large urban areas where raising chickens and bee keeping are allowed.
It is now becoming trendy to do this, Lesnick, a Democrat, said. If we want to attract people to Yonkers that are young and hip and edgy, we want to get on the bandwagon and have these sustainable food opportunities.
Opponents say raising poultry and bees in crowded Yonkers neighborhoods could have a negative effect on nearby residents. They suggested that chickens have the potential to create unpleasant smells and draw unwanted predators, namely coyotes, into the city.
And while supporters say honey bees are docile, some are not convinced, citing concerns of the potential for bee stings.
A vast majority of people I have spoken to are not in favor of this, said City Council Minority Leader John Larkin, a Republican. I think its ludicrous and absurd we are even entertaining something like this.
While it is the largest, Yonkers is not the first Westchester community to consider allowing residents to raise chickens and bees.
The plan fell into the City Councils hands after the Yonkers Planning Board unanimously approved the proposals in September.
While the City Council is still sorting out the details of the proposal, it would not allow roosters, only hens, and likely limit the number of chickens and bee hives residents would be allowed to maintain based on square acres of land, Lesnick said.
The goal, he said, is finding a balance between the rights of those who would like to raise food and the rights of their neighbors.
Thats what were here for to find that balance, Lesnick said.
Larkin was skeptical a compromise could be found.
Id be surprised if a vast majority of people are clamoring to allow chickens and bees in their backyards, he said.
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