Chickens won't be roosting in Lockport

The chicken dance went down to the wire at Wednesday's Lockport City Council meeting.

With four aldermen in support and four opposed, interest in the issue was at its peak.

However, Mayor Dev Trivedi cast the tie-breaking vote -- rejecting a proposal that would have allowed the raising of chickens within city limits for the purpose of egg consumption.

Thus the raising of chickens continues to be prohibited in Lockport.

And Rey and Mary Flores, who have asked for a change in the ordinance, will have to find a new home for the 11 chickens they raise in their yard.

The supportive "urban chick" bloc consisted of Aldermen Pete Colarelli, Joseph Fracaro, Bob Morris and John Robert Krzos.

Lining up on the "poultry non grata" side were Aldermen Dick Van Dyke, Brian Smith, Tom Kelly and Robert Perretta.

Trivedi, pressed into a tie-breaking role, conducted a poultry poll.

Would the four opponents be open to a one-year pilot program, to see if allowing chickens would work out?

When presented the option, all four aldermen rejected it.

Trivedi then voted no -- surprising some, disappointing others, and making everyone realize that the mayor bears a heavy yolk of responsibility on his shoulders.

OK, it's "yoke."

Trivedi took the issue seriously. Raising chickens is one means of sustainable and environmentally friendly living.

The mayor also emphasized the importance of using his tiebreaking power with objectivity. He said he had received both positive and negative comments on backyard chickens. He said the issue is important, and he must be careful in his decision if the council is split.

"This is a very critical thing, and I don't take this very lightly, and I just want all of you to know that," he said.

Trivedi then sought opinions on the pilot program. Earlier on, Colarelli had mentioned the idea of a one-year chicken run.

"It at least deserves a fighting chance," Colarelli said.

Nevertheless, the four opponents did not waver.