Resident urges Morton Grove to allow backyard chickens, says neighbors support his flock

Martin Shasho, a resident who identified himself during public comments, asked the Village of Morton Grove to allow residents to keep backyard chickens. Shasho said he obtained buff Orpington chickens before researching village rules and described them as a food source and a teaching opportunity for neighborhood children. "I believe that owning chickens is an individual right, a natural right and a universal right," he said.

Shasho said he lives at 9130 Lehigh Avenue and described a large yard he said can accommodate the birds; he told the board he has collected 20 of 24 neighbor signatures in support and that only one neighbor objected. He said an unnamed Morton Grove inspector raised concerns about debris and rodents near his pool area; Shasho said he cleaned up the area and changed feeding practices after that visit.

No board action or direction was recorded on the issue during the meeting; the item appeared during the residents' comment period. The transcript records the public comment in full, and the board moved to adjourn after resident comments ended.