The village of Esperance is a small village nestled in Schoharie County. Surrounded by many farms and touts agriculture as its main priority. The Village of Esperance however is still enforcing ordinances from 1972. Inhabitants of the village are not allowed to keep agriculture type animals and the land lots no longer allow for the outrageous ordinances regarding chickens.

Many people move to this small village to be closer to nature and their food. Only to find out that the animals they have raised for delicious eggs, or as pets, are not allowed. Now they may suddenly have to get rid of their beloved animals, as encouraged by the board, or pack up and leave. It is not only unjust to keep agriculture out of Esperance but it goes against many things the town, and county, stand for. Many cities around Schoharie County, and within it, have implemented or maintained an ordinance that allows chickens. It’s time for the Village of Esperance to do the same. Keeping chickens has become a criteria for many on whether or not they will move somewhere. Let’s join our neighbors like the City of Niskayuna, the City of Rochester, Cobleskill, and even the City of Albany. If a city can compromise so can a small village.