The Market Is Open

Good Day ALFN Members,

The market and bursting with everything from swiss chard to compost for your own gardens. If you are like me, this warm weather is making me feel like I’m behind in my garden plans!!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

This weekend is the Little Rock marathon, and this year, the kids’ race course will go right by Christ Church. The race begins at 11:00. Consequently, parking lots will be full and downtown will be crowded. We will still have market on Saturday, but I have a couple of survival suggestions.

• If you want to avoid the chaos, simply pick up your order on Monday between 5:00-6:00

• On Saturday, make every effort to come and pick up right at 10:00. Parking will be a bear, so don’t expect to find space in the Christ Church lot.

• I have linked the race route so you can decide how to get to the church. It will be best to either come into downtown via I-30 exit. Use the course map to plan your own route.

We will need a bit more help on Saturday to make sure we are ready for the early rush. Consequently, I have added on extra slot for a volunteer. If you can help, please sign up here: Volunteer Spot

NEW CHICKEN ORDINANCE IN LITTLE ROCK

On Saturday, we had some urban chickens and their managers join us to promote a discussion about the new proposed chicken ordinance for Little Rock. There has been concern among some chicken owners that the new regulations will further constrict the number of citizens who can keep chickens. First, here are the pertinent new regulations:

• No more than 12 chickens allowed in the city.

• Chicken pens are required and must meet certain space requirements: 100 sq ft for the first bird, plus 25 sq ft for each additional bird. (With 12 birds, the total required pen space would be 374 sq ft)

• Chicken pens must be 25 feet away from neighbors.

• Roosters must be kept 1000 feet away from neighbors.

Many chicken owners see this as a constriction of present regulations. The square footage requirement along will disallow some residents to have chickens…many yards aren’t that big. There is still time for the public to weigh in and voice their approval or disapproval. Here is the timeline for legalizing the new proposals:

• Animal Services Advisory Board meets next month to vote to send to city board.
• City Manager puts proposal on Board of Directors Agenda
• City Board will vote at the second meeting regarding the regulations to make law or vote no.

If you are interested in voicing a concern, begin by contacting the city officials or attending the meeting on March 16th. Here are pertinent emails and dates:

• Animal Services Advisory Board (Tracy Roark—troark@littlerock.org; and see other members on website: http://www.littlerock.org/CityCommissions/?ID=7)
• City Board (board@littlerock.org)
• Attend the meetings (Animal board meets March 16 at 6:30 at the Animal Village)

Take care,

Kyle Holton
Program & Market Manager