GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio -- When Andy Smigelski told his parents he wanted to keep chickens as pets, they told him it was illegal but that he could tackle the project on his own.
Andy said he wants to eat the eggs as the second step in growing his own food.
"I decided I wanted to have chickens in my back yard, so I really wanted to raise some of my own food, trying to grow a garden and I thought chickens would be the next step in that," Smigelski said.
Andy went before the Grandview Heights City Council at its Monday, March 2, meeting to ask that the ordinance currently banning farm animals within city limits be repealed.
He said council members were friendly to him and seemed to be open to the idea.
Andy, a Grandview Heights High School sophomore, said other families already have chickens as pets.
To some, the issue is amusing, but to others, it's an issue of sustainability.
Worthington discussed the issue informally, but the issue has not come up again.
Now, Grandview Heights is considering legislation in its safety committee.
Smigelski said he researched the type of chickens he wants -- breeds called Easter Eggers and Orpingtons, which he said are quiet and friendly.
Grandview Heights City Councilman Anthony Panzera said he has received feedback from the community.
"Overall, I understand why it's being brought forward and I don't disagree with his emphasis on it, but I think the community overall is probably going to be a difficult task to convince," Panzera said.
Constructive critics point out residents can buy fresh eggs at the North Market and Grandview Heights' own farmer's market in the summer and fall.
Panzera said negative comments have more to do with social perception -- literally -- not in my back yard.
Smigelski was told the safety committee will discuss the issue again at Thursday's 5 p.m. city council meeting.
He said people have kept chickens for thousands of years and the issue wasn't a problem until about 50 years ago.
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