The hope for backyard chickens in Geneseo has flown the coop. A vote to permit chickens failed 2-6 on Tuesday, Feb. 12. A crowd of Geneseo residents flocked to the meeting to voice both support and opposition to the proposal. Former Geneseo alderman Brenda Johnson noted the topic's "polarizing effect" but added backyard chickens "is not uncharted territory." "A number of local communities have chickens with no adverse problems," she said. "It's an engaging hobby that encourages self-reliance." Backyard chicken supporter Kim Windisch said "people care about local food and self-sustainable living...
