WPRO News and the Associated Press
NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – North Providence is considering easing zoning rules to let some residents raise chickens in their backyards.
The Providence Journal reports that the proposed zoning change is largely the work of Timothy Thorp, a Brown University web developer who says he wants to introduce his children to home-grown eggs and other aspects of chicken farming.
He lives on a half-acre plot and his family grows tomatoes, basil, beets, apples and other vegetables and fruits.
Mayor Charles A. Lombardi does not support the proposal. He says it could create problems because North Providence has few open spaces for chickens.
The law calls for a 10-foot buffer from the property line and at least 25 feet between the chicken area and neighboring homes.
Thorp has assembled a petition with more than 200 signatures.
