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English is my second language. I can not defend myself very well in
English. For me it’s really hard to find right words fast in an answer,
especially when I'm nervous. The people who oppose this are more
capable of stating their position (against me)
That’s why I prepared this Power Point Presentation. In case if you don’t
understand my accent, I printed all I would like to tell you here.
Highland Point Pets Chickens
Cobb County Board of Commissioners Meeting
We have only child who dreamed about his own pets for a long time.
Unfortunately by several reasons we cannot have a pet living in our
house. I didn't see any other choice but chickens. We bought four 2-
days-old chicks on https://www.mypetchicken.com/default.aspx
Definition:
• Poultry (/ˌpoʊltriː/) are domesticated birds kept by
humans for the eggs they produce, their meat, or their
feathers. If there are ducks and or geese that are kept as
pets they shall not be considered poultry unlike
domesticated chickens. I buy everything my pets
chickens need in the Pet Store where I have a member
ship card or online at My Pet Chickens website
Chicken Harness (Take 'em for a walk!)
We have being leaving in Highland Pointe for four years. We always thought our
community was very family oriented. But now a small group of people suspected
three hens could make real estate prices down... and are attempting to convince
everyone to help them to make us to get rid of our only pets. My son doesn't have
any cousins living in the USA. His grandparents live outside of our country too. Our
chickens are part of our family. I would ask everyone to put yourselves in our
shoes and let us keep our pets chickens. They are all of small “decoration” size,
very beautiful and smart. They do not smell and bark. We keep them clean and
healthy. Their names are: Ryaba, Grey, and Polka Dots.
There are only three neighbors houses with can see our chickens. And all of them like our chickens and never complain about
them.
There are their supporting letters:
Bob and Janice Hayes
4488 North Slope Circle
Marietta, GA 30066
To whom it may concern,
We would like to go on the record in support of our neighbors request for a variance to keep their 3 pet chickens. This is not
an agricultural request. These are pets for their 6th grade son who is an only child. They are unable to have cats or dogs for
several different reasons. The chickens are pets and in addition to their emotional attachment to them, their purpose is to
provide life- long lessons for their son, helping him learn responsibility by helping take care of the hens.
We are the closest neighbors to the hens and one of only two who can see the pen. . They are in a very
professionally built and attractive pen. It is neat clean, consistent with the landscape and garden setting of their back
yard. You cannot hear them, there is no odor, and they are beautiful to look at. These are not white hens one might imagine
from Purdue chicken adds, but very unique breeds with multiple colors and beautiful feathers. My grandchildren love to run
see them when they come over. They do not bark at night like many dogs in this neighborhoods and they are not let out to
come in to our yard and kill the wild birds we feed, like some of the domestic cats in our neighborhood. They do not leave
messes in my yard like many domestic pets. Their owners are much more responsible than those who do not clean up after
or contain their pets. They are much less intrusive than the crows/ravens we have so many of and they do not cause any
damage like the deer, opossums and raccoons, and squirrels that we are blessed to have in Highland Pointe.
Many of the comments posted in the neighborhood Facebook page were totally false and displayed the ignorance of the
people making these outlandish posts. We talk about tolerance, understanding and creating a welcoming atmosphere for
newcomers.
Please grant this variance.
Sincerely,
Bob and Janice Hayes
Robert Windham
4486 North Slope Circle
Marietta, GA 30066
I have already sent two emails saying that I hardheartedly approve of your request. I am trying to be
there to offer you support.
There are a number of Georgia Supreme Court Decisions that state that. You can point out that I am a
contiguous neighbor and that I approve. Do some research on having Pot-Bellied
Pigs. There are Supreme Court Decisions that would allow you to have Pot-Bellied Pigs on your size
lot. And the Homeowners Association Covenants would be unable to stop you since they are recognized
as an acceptable household pet. It is ironic that you could have 3 pigs in your backyard that can grow to
150 pounds each without getting any approval but you have to get approval to get 3 small chickens. Also
point out that the Republican Party basic tenant is for government to stay out of individuals business. It
is hypocritical!
I am with you all the way. We just need to figure the best way to be able to keep your chickens.
Please keep me informed. We are on a mission that I believe that God would approve.
Good luck. I will try to be there.
Bob
On May 2, at the Cobb County planning commission meeting, there
where three main reasons which oppositions motivated:
1. Our neighbors across the street said they didn’t want us to keep
chickens. But they can not see them at all, because we live on the
hill. There are pictures with the views of our house from their
locations:
They even didn’t know about our chickens before I put zoning permit
sign. They are going to sell their houses and instead of repairing their
old houses or negotiating the price, they fight against our chickens.
I did a brief research about it:
Q: If my neighbor has a chicken, will that lower property values?
A: According to Ken Cook (Mortgage Banker), Jen Bowman (Broker
Associate), and Ryan Brashear (Vice President of the Georgia
Association of Realtors), owning chickens does not affect the property
value of a home unless the chicken dwelling is attached to the main
home. People have stopped the home buying process on a property
because of large barking dogs in a neighborhood, but they could think
of no situation where a house purchase was halted due to a few
chickens in the backyard of the house next door.
On the May, 2’s meeting Mrs. Neighbor-Living-Across-the-Street
mentioned that she would not buy a property if she knew some
neighbor have chickens.
But, I would love to buy house with chicken neighbors.
Great example confirming my words:
4546 Forest Peak Circle. This property (with the coop in full view!) was
recently sold for about 10% more then they bought it for 18 month
ago.
But I'd bet you that if these buyers had a window into how people
in this subdivision speak to one another, they would have
reconsidered living in Highland Pointe
The second main reasons which oppositions motivated was their
conviction that three little chicken attract wild animals such as foxes or
raccoons. And in HP discussions on facebook, people have seen coyotes
as well in the past.
This is from my post discussion on Highland Pointe happening face group:
More over there are a lot of rabbits living
in our neighborhood.
Two years ago, when we didn’t have any
chickens at all, we saw a bear reeling
across all around. That was really
dangerous not only for small pets but for
kids!
But that bear was not even moved from
the community to a wild place, it’s most
likely still living here. But three small
chickens, by the opinion of several
people, are really dangerous for
everyone!!!
This is a second part of my brief research which says that chickens are not only safe but also
beneficial:
• Q: Are chickens safe around children?
A: Raising chickens in the backyard is a tremendous opportunity for parents to teach young
children about the responsibility that comes with caring for a pet, and something about where
the food they eat REALLY comes from. This is something a dog or cat cannot do. Due to their small
size and friendly demeanor, chickens can be easily handled by young children without the fear of
being bitten.
• Q: Can their waste have a negative environmental impact?
A: The average dog generates 3/4 lbs of manure a day that cannot be composted because of the
harmful bacteria and parasites (hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms) that can infect
humans. This waste is considered a major source of bacterial pollution in urban watersheds. Dog
waste contains higher concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus than cows, chickens, or pigs
and is a major contributor of excessive nutrients that flow into ground and surface waters through
runoff from city sidewalks and lawns. Chickens produce less waste, and most people who keep
chickens in the city also have a garden and compost their chicken manure. When composted and
added to the garden, the water quality impact would be virtually nothing. Chickens also reduce
the need for pesticides because they eat bugs and weeds, further reducing water pollution.
• Q: What areas of the state allow chickens currently?
A: Chickens are allowed in Alpharetta, Roswell, Atlanta, Dunwoody, Cherokee County, Decatur,
and Smyrna to name a few places in the Metro Atlanta Area.
Speaking of safety…
I know of at least one resident across the street from me on North Mountain Road that are worried that the chickens attract wild life
attempting to eat my pet chickens. Yes, it could be true.
But this cannot happen again!
After the fox ate one of my chicks I hired a professional to build a stable enclosure. This cannot happen as they are in a stable wire
enclosure.
And I know she has a pet rabbit which I saw several times playing at her driveway by itself without any gathering it from wild life.
Don’t you scary for people passing your house because you rabbit can attract any generous animal, Mrs. Neighbor-Living-Across-the-
Street ???
Any animal looking for a meal is much more like to be attracted to rabbits, stray cats and squirrels than our pet chickens.
Dear Opposition,
Please do not call my pet chickens a “farm life” or even a “poultry.” I
provided many evidences they are my pets!!!
Its not right call them the “poultry.” I have them not because of their
meet or eggs.
To call my property a “farm,” is not an accurate. A farm is an area of
facility in food production. I do not produce food! My chickens are part
of my family!
And at last third main reason which oppositions motivated:
They are afraid if I will be allowed to keep my chickens then many other
neighbors would like to have chickens at their backyards too.
But I doubt about it very much. My chickens cost me a lot of money. Just
look at these numbers:
I did not include any food and maintenance fees.
200$ payment for applying for variances
200$ coop for little chickens
500$ fencing from wild life
About 300$ for infrared lamp, leashes, swings, and other accessory. More
then 1200 dollars! Comparing to one dozen of farm raised organic eggs costs
maximum 5$.
Doesn’t it mean that we definitely have them as our dearest pets, does it?
Once we applied for the variance ( as per Cobb Code Enforcement
Recommendation ) some people suddenly became strongly opposed to our
pets even if they were not directly affected by them. Corry Hinz called herself
a “chicken racist”.
This seems to have become a “power” issue as compared to evaluating this
based on facts.
More over, I would like to underline some people used very rough, impolite,
and disrespectful words toward me and my supporters.
Few people from HOA have taken a survey for 100 replies for 498 houses which explicitly
requested to vote “AGAINST the variance and act quickly” and claimed that 2/3 of people
who filled up the survey were against the variance despite that I got many letters in
support of my variance from different residents.
My question to all of you as an Elected Official: do you think this would be a Democracy
if County Commissioners could be elected by an anonymous online survey taken by 25%
of residents ?
They did not allow me to join to Facebook group to express my opinion so I had to type
500 E-mail addresses from the directory. They said that “Highland Pointe” is a “high scale”
neighborhood and there is no room for chickens there. They already made a decision for
me without even allowing to express my opinion to the Residents, just like Communists in
USSR.
I had offered them to have an opened Elections so each resident could express the opinion
Yes/NO – the same response “Highland Pointe” is a “high scale neighborhood which has no
room for chickens”. Just like in the past racists in the USA had no rooms for other races.
DIVERSITY
I support the DIVERSITY for Highland Pointe Community. I can not understand why some people think that Backyard Chickens
can NOT co-exists with Tennis and swimming pool.
When we bought this house 4 years ago we were never interested in the swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as the
majority of residents do not have the membership at Club house. Highland Pointe Community Club has old equipment and not
working sauna and steam room. We have a membership in the “Life Time Fitness,’ where we can use pool and other facility we
are interested in whole year around
We liked the nature and wild life around. Why do some people think that backyard chickens can NOT be part of this nature and
our community ? When pot belly pigs can be part of Highland Pointe home pets community according to Georgia Supreme
Court decision in 1997.
That is the beauty of America: everyone can do what he or she wants on its own piece of land and co-exist with the others.
Supreme Court of Georgia.
CITY OF LILBURN v. SANCHEZ et al. (two cases).
Nos. S97A0678, S97A0870.
Decided: October 06, 1997
The Sanchez family home is situated on a .24 acre lot, and is located within one of the City's subdivisions. The Sanchezes
owned a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, Eugenia, which they kept as a domestic pet
Whether the trial court, or this Court, appreciates, agrees with, or condones the City's action is altogether irrelevant-so long as
the City acted constitutionally. We conclude that, by holding the ordinance was unconstitutional, the trial court improperly
substituted its own judgment for that of the City's leaders.
Judgment reversed.
OR
???
What is the
difference?
At the end of my speech, I would like to tell that I have as many of
Highland Points residents supporting me with their e-mail letters or
face book posts as are against:
Natallia,
Thank you for your heartfelt & candid email.
I am in favor of you keeping your chickens and I am sorry that the HP Homeowners Association
Board finds great pleasure in taking as much money & freedoms from their members as an
occupation. I have lived here since 2001 and it never seems to matter "who" the board is
comprised of it's the same as it always was...
Same problem with our country for the last 8 years, too big a government and the wrong people
telling us how to live!
• Your email has brightened my day my God Bless you & your family. Best wishes for your battle
with the zoning commission.
Respectfully,
Michael Lasini
4356 Highborne Dr
C770 842 2355
Dear Commissioner Birrell,
I will be unable to attend the variance hearing but as a resident of Highland Point Subdivision and a
resident of Cobb County since 1966, I would like to voice my opinion on the matter.
I fully support the Vilchenko family in their fight to have hens on their property.
The chickens are well cared for and pose no noise or smell issues. The hens are not visible unless you
enter their backyard. The covenants state that any major changes to the rear of the property must have
signed approval from any neighbors who can see the changes. http://highlandpointe.org/acc. The hens
are only visible by two adjoining neighbors who fully support the Vilchenko’s. That is good enough for me.
Based on our covenants, I don’t believe this issue should be decided by the 500 homeowners of this
community, it only affects 3 homes out of 500.
In addition, there is no evidence that the hens will have a negative impact on the property values of our
community. I think it is great to see families wanting to raise their own food and not feed their children
processed foods full of hormones. Chickens make great pets and they are a natural insect control. I cannot
find a single reason to be against the chickens.
Thank you for your service to our county.
Sincerely,
Thomas and Dawna O’Rourke
4549 Forest Peak Cir
Marietta, GA 30066
Ms. JoAnn Birrell, Commissioner
Mr. John Pederson, Zoning Division Manager
Cobb Code Enforcement
As a 11 year residence of the Highland Pointe subdivision, I am writing in support of the variance request made by Natallia
Vilchenko, 4243 N. Mountain Road, Marietta, GA 3006. Ms. Vilchenko has requested a land use variance to be allowed to keep
chickens (hens) on her property in the Highland Pointe subdivision, which is less than two acres.
Many residents in my subdivision have voiced opinions that the chickens will increase vermin and decrease property values. My
neighbors are right to be concerned about these points. However, Highland Point already has a vermin problem that is unlikely to be
exacerbated by the presence of a few chickens. As examples
The birdfeeders left out overnight feed our growing neighborhood rat population, which increases the number of well-fed (i.e., large)
snakes around our homes.
Free-roaming pet cats provide the main food source for the coyotes.
Our community areas are covered with dog waste that irresponsible owners leave for the rest of us to enjoy.
These things concern me far more than a few pet chickens caged in a backyard.
Even more concerning for me is the behavior of The Highland Pointe Recreation Association, which has led a biased charge to
motivate neighborhood residents to express baseless concerns and fears to you about pet hens.
The Association provided a survey that contained two “pros” to allow the hens, and a long list of “cons.” The Association held a
meeting specifically for people who were against the land use permit to allow the hens. The Association chastised Ms. Vilchenko's
for contacting residents to ask for their support using email addresses provided by residents specifically for resident-to-resident
communication.
In closing, I had pet chickens as a child. I can attest that they make wonderful pets. Pet ownership is a wonderful thing for a child. I
strongly urge you to allow this variance. Please allow these pets to keep their home.
Kind Regards,
Catherine Foster
4209 Long Branch Drive
Marietta, GA 30066
Hi, Natallia!
I am so sorry you are having to fight this battle. I am one of your neighbors,
and a Realtor, and I'm in FAVOR of having chickens! I've completed the
survey. I have clients in Jefferson Township, where the lots are usually over 2
acres and are therefore allowed by the county to have chickens, who have
chickens and love them. Makes me want to have chickens myself! Several of
my buyer clients want property where they can have chickens, but their price
point does not allow for them to purchase a lot that is over 2 acres. I wish
Cobb county would lower the acreage requirements for chickens. I know
other counties have lower acreage requirements - many people inside the
perimeter, especially in Dekalb county, have chickens on small lots. I hope
it's a beckoning of the future!
Big Hugs to you and your children - and your chicks!
Jaime Turner
Hi Natalia,
Not replying all, but just wanted to let you know I'm in favor of pet
chickens. My Buckhead hairstylist has 10 chickens in a very upscale,
mid-town area and no one minds. Anyone who opposes this is being
ridiculous and petty unless they can cite a valid point. I would like to
have some chickens as well and am willing to fight for it!
My husband is from Brazil. We're at 4233 just down the street from
you. I've been in Highland Pointe for 17yrs.
Barbra Christner
I’ve been reading up on this topic online – haven’t found any negative
repercussions, or instances where chickens have created a drop in property
value. In fact there are a lot of US cities, with some of the highest property
values, that allow chicken coops in the yards (NYC, LA, Denver, etc). Keep in
mind ANY coop, doghouse, etc that is poorly kept will diminish value. So as
long as the family takes care of them, and their held to the same covenants
as the rest of us, we shouldn’t fight their application.
I’m actually more concerned about neighbors who would fight such a
cause. Seems prejudicial and baseless. Beware of fear-mongering. If the
immediate neighbors aren’t against it, we shouldn’t be either.
Good Luck Natalia.
Erin Iacomi
Natalia- I just want to let you know i am in favor of you keeping your
hens. I live on south lake and most people know me as the "duck lady".
Personally, my husband and I don't see any difference between you
having your hens and us raising ducklings until they are large enough to
avoid being attacked by the turtles. I understand how easy it is to
become attached to them. I raised every one of the ducks on the lake
and i feel a real sense of protection over them. I hope people will
understand your point of view and be a little more kind.Good luck!
Becky M. Smith
• I hope you prevail! Go chickens and kids who love them!
Tana Gildea
• The real issue is we live in a family oriented neighborhood. If we have
some kids that need the chickens, lets let them go for it. Hopefully none
of us are racist against anyone. Keep it quiet and we are all good.
Go cubs.
Scott Morrow
• Hi Natalia-
I can not attend the meeting but agree with the other neighbors that ;you
should be permitted to have your pets. Whatever you need, let me
know. I support you and your family.
Bath Shore
Hi Natalia
I just wanted to apologize for a lot of the people in the neighborhood.
Please don't take them personally. They are rude and mean and don't
think about other people. I'm sorry you are having to go through this!
Lots of neighborhoods have chickens. We just looked at a house in
Jefferson township that had a chicken coop. You are doing a great job
for your son and I hope it all turns out! Please know there are nice
neighbors in the neighborhood. I would hate for this to cause you to
move or have to give away your chickens! But please don't let people's
comments get to you. They are best ignored ;)
Best regards,
Sheri Quale
Hi Natalia,
I wrote a email to the commissioner to express my support. I have a
friend who lives in Atlanta who has backyard hens and he told me
many stories about how smart and entertaining they are. Plus fresh
organic eggs!
I love the ducks in my backyard. No one seems to care that we have
ducks, which are very similar animals. Good luck, you have a lot of
opposition.
Janice Upson
• Hi Natalia! I support you and your chickens. Please let me know how I
can help you save the chickens.
Dawna O'Rourke
4549 Forest Peak Cir
Dear Natalia,
We join your nearest neighbors who can see your chickens and are in favor of you being allowed to
have three hens in your backyard. I cannot attend the May 2 meeting, but I have taken the survey
and informed the Commissioners. Three hens who are discreetly and humanely kept as pets will not
lower our property values. The keeping of backyard chickens is flourishing around the county
throughout cities, suburban and urban areas. Your chickens are quiet and do not bark. They do not
run free attacking and harassing us when we walk our dogs on leash. They do not poop in my yard.
We have contacted the Commissioners and encouraged them to move forward with the land use
permit to allow three hens on your property.
We wish you the best of luck.
Sincerely,
Stacy Fox
4254 North Mountain Road
Here is the letter I just sent to the commissioners. I hope it raises some points that the folks who have issues with this will consider. Perhaps they aren't
aware of how trendy chickens are right now, and that the largest home-buying groups are really, really into them. I certainly don't understand how
anyone searching for a home here would even know there were chickens. I had no idea, and I've been here, right down the road from them, for 2 years. I
often walk and jog by the address very early in the morning, and you can't hear them either.
Hello,
I'm writing to you as a resident in Highland Pointe neighborhood. It's come to my attention that some people want the Vilchenko family who also reside
in Highland Pointe to get rid of their chickens. These are their son's only option for a pet, and actually, chickens are fantastic to have around! I moved
here two years ago from living in the city of Atlanta, and I have really MISSED the chickens! That may sound strange to you - someone moving to a more
suburban (and even rural in some places) area from the city and missing chickens, but so many people in the city are raising chickens! In my last city
neighborhood, we didn't care if some of our neighbors let their's wander, and you would see and hear them everywhere. I sincerely miss their big,
crowing rooster. People have fresh eggs to give away. It's really quite wonderful. Before my sons collected the menagerie of pets we currently have, I was
toying with the idea of building my own coop here and having some. It never even occurred to me that it would be a problem.
I think the biggest issue with the Vilchenkos or anyone else in Highland Pointe having chickens is that some people are afraid it will drive down property
values. Unless the Vilchenkos start getting into the poultry business or let the chickens wander, I can't see why anyone searching for a home here would
even know there were chickens. Everyone (except for my last city neighbors) I know who keeps them has nicely built coops and the chickens are in the
backyard out of sight of neighbors and passers by. Most of these people live in homes worth $500K - 1mm, so they definitely consider property values as
well. Without a rooster, there's really no noise that will carry.
Another point about those property values - you know who LOVES raising chickens? It's the millenials. A lot of Gen X'ers are into it as well, but the
"chicken boom" is the direct result of millenials' desire to raise them and have their own fresh eggs. You know who is the biggest home-buying
population now? Millenials. I wouldn't worry too much about them freaking out over chickens - the chickens may even be a selling point.
Finally, our wonderful neighborhood really came together recently to save a mama duck and her ducklings that were constantly getting in our newly
uncovered pool. Mama duck didn't want her ducklings in the ponds, because the turtles eat them. Several concerned neighbors actually built a coop of
sorts to house the ducks until they can mature a bit and hit the ponds without fear of turtles. If people here can do that for some wild ducks - can't we let
a little boy have a few hens?
Julie Booth Jordan
Dear Natalia,
This really has nothing to do with real estate or financial matters. If you love
your child you might check with those who have given up on
chickens. Friends said that they gave up since they attracted rats and snakes
which love the eggs too. We have had copperheads in our yard and on the
street that would be very dangerous to a child and other pets. We don't
want to endanger our neighbors children and pets so please reconsider the
wellbeing of your own child. I grew up on a farm with lots of animals in
Connecticut and the last animal I would want for a young child is a chicken.
Many children develop allergies to the mites in chicken feathers also. You
can't leave chickens with a kennel and friends that offer to help get tired of
that pretty quick.
Sincerely,
A hard working gardener neighbor.
Carol Pierce
Dear Natalia,
I strongly support you and your pet chickens. I met your husband on Wednesday when I came to
your house. I will take off of work on Tuesday morning to attend the meeting and I, too, will be
applying for a variance because -although my neighbors adore MY chickens too - another person
(who does not live anywhere nearby) saw them and reported them to the county.
I am also trying to believe that there are still people who are kind and not self-centered, who can
think about how their negativity poisons the community...but my hope is fading. I do support you
though and wish for a fair judgement of your variance!! Maybe I will see you on Tuesday!
Have a good weekend,
:)
Cori Yochim
Some people who pretend they represent an official Board ( I’ve never seen any
official Board decisions about this ) decided against my pet chickens before they
had any facts and never asked for any facts. I had requested to join the HP
facebook group and was ignored for three weeks until a neighbor publicly asked
why it had been ignored. Their response was they were too busy to accept my
request. In that 3 weeks time they were able to tell residents to be against the
chickens and I could not defend.
After 3 weeks pending, my request to join Highland Pointe Happening group on
the Facebook was approved and my “chicken” problem got very huge resonance.
Opinions were divided, but most people were for chickens. Administrator of this
group page recently deleted those posts with all positive responses.
My “neighbors” who are against this have not had decency to even come look at
my coop yet are saying false things about chickens and have even said I have
roosters (which I do not). They are not right.
• Also, I would like to pay your attention that HP board members payed our HOA
money for making their fake survey! More then 200$.
• The first time when Administrative Assistant, Beth Roedersheimer, sent their
letters against my chickens using HP website and broadcast. When I asked her to
send my letter to the neighbors about my chickens, my request was absolutely
ignored.
• The second time, on Thursday May 12, she sent her letter again. I asked her to “
answer my question: Why small group of people use HP official broadcast list of
email address? Can you send out my email with an opposite opinion and the
same request to everyone???” Her answer was: “That eblast was send out by the
board.” After that I asked some more questions: “I never had a personal opinion
of the board president? Did you have any board meeting where you discussed
this question? Do you have a protocol about it? Did you invite me to participate in
solving my problems? I have the right to send my opinion through the community
because we are talking about my pets chickens!” She ignored my questions!
• She is an administrative person whose salary is payed for my money too, because
I'm a HOA member too. It means she doesn't do her job well.
Cobb County Government allows to apply for
variances for temporary land permit for special
cases. And my case is really very special.
Dear Cobb County Board Members, I ask you to
grant me the variance and check back in 2 years
if people from the opposition could present any
complaints how my pets chickens can disturb
them, if they will ever see them at all during this
term.

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Highland point pets chickens

  • 1. English is my second language. I can not defend myself very well in English. For me it’s really hard to find right words fast in an answer, especially when I'm nervous. The people who oppose this are more capable of stating their position (against me) That’s why I prepared this Power Point Presentation. In case if you don’t understand my accent, I printed all I would like to tell you here.
  • 2. Highland Point Pets Chickens Cobb County Board of Commissioners Meeting
  • 3. We have only child who dreamed about his own pets for a long time. Unfortunately by several reasons we cannot have a pet living in our house. I didn't see any other choice but chickens. We bought four 2- days-old chicks on https://www.mypetchicken.com/default.aspx
  • 4. Definition: • Poultry (/ˌpoʊltriː/) are domesticated birds kept by humans for the eggs they produce, their meat, or their feathers. If there are ducks and or geese that are kept as pets they shall not be considered poultry unlike domesticated chickens. I buy everything my pets chickens need in the Pet Store where I have a member ship card or online at My Pet Chickens website Chicken Harness (Take 'em for a walk!)
  • 5. We have being leaving in Highland Pointe for four years. We always thought our community was very family oriented. But now a small group of people suspected three hens could make real estate prices down... and are attempting to convince everyone to help them to make us to get rid of our only pets. My son doesn't have any cousins living in the USA. His grandparents live outside of our country too. Our chickens are part of our family. I would ask everyone to put yourselves in our shoes and let us keep our pets chickens. They are all of small “decoration” size, very beautiful and smart. They do not smell and bark. We keep them clean and healthy. Their names are: Ryaba, Grey, and Polka Dots.
  • 6. There are only three neighbors houses with can see our chickens. And all of them like our chickens and never complain about them. There are their supporting letters: Bob and Janice Hayes 4488 North Slope Circle Marietta, GA 30066 To whom it may concern, We would like to go on the record in support of our neighbors request for a variance to keep their 3 pet chickens. This is not an agricultural request. These are pets for their 6th grade son who is an only child. They are unable to have cats or dogs for several different reasons. The chickens are pets and in addition to their emotional attachment to them, their purpose is to provide life- long lessons for their son, helping him learn responsibility by helping take care of the hens. We are the closest neighbors to the hens and one of only two who can see the pen. . They are in a very professionally built and attractive pen. It is neat clean, consistent with the landscape and garden setting of their back yard. You cannot hear them, there is no odor, and they are beautiful to look at. These are not white hens one might imagine from Purdue chicken adds, but very unique breeds with multiple colors and beautiful feathers. My grandchildren love to run see them when they come over. They do not bark at night like many dogs in this neighborhoods and they are not let out to come in to our yard and kill the wild birds we feed, like some of the domestic cats in our neighborhood. They do not leave messes in my yard like many domestic pets. Their owners are much more responsible than those who do not clean up after or contain their pets. They are much less intrusive than the crows/ravens we have so many of and they do not cause any damage like the deer, opossums and raccoons, and squirrels that we are blessed to have in Highland Pointe. Many of the comments posted in the neighborhood Facebook page were totally false and displayed the ignorance of the people making these outlandish posts. We talk about tolerance, understanding and creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. Please grant this variance. Sincerely, Bob and Janice Hayes
  • 7. Robert Windham 4486 North Slope Circle Marietta, GA 30066 I have already sent two emails saying that I hardheartedly approve of your request. I am trying to be there to offer you support. There are a number of Georgia Supreme Court Decisions that state that. You can point out that I am a contiguous neighbor and that I approve. Do some research on having Pot-Bellied Pigs. There are Supreme Court Decisions that would allow you to have Pot-Bellied Pigs on your size lot. And the Homeowners Association Covenants would be unable to stop you since they are recognized as an acceptable household pet. It is ironic that you could have 3 pigs in your backyard that can grow to 150 pounds each without getting any approval but you have to get approval to get 3 small chickens. Also point out that the Republican Party basic tenant is for government to stay out of individuals business. It is hypocritical! I am with you all the way. We just need to figure the best way to be able to keep your chickens. Please keep me informed. We are on a mission that I believe that God would approve. Good luck. I will try to be there. Bob
  • 8.
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  • 12. On May 2, at the Cobb County planning commission meeting, there where three main reasons which oppositions motivated: 1. Our neighbors across the street said they didn’t want us to keep chickens. But they can not see them at all, because we live on the hill. There are pictures with the views of our house from their locations:
  • 13. They even didn’t know about our chickens before I put zoning permit sign. They are going to sell their houses and instead of repairing their old houses or negotiating the price, they fight against our chickens. I did a brief research about it: Q: If my neighbor has a chicken, will that lower property values? A: According to Ken Cook (Mortgage Banker), Jen Bowman (Broker Associate), and Ryan Brashear (Vice President of the Georgia Association of Realtors), owning chickens does not affect the property value of a home unless the chicken dwelling is attached to the main home. People have stopped the home buying process on a property because of large barking dogs in a neighborhood, but they could think of no situation where a house purchase was halted due to a few chickens in the backyard of the house next door.
  • 14. On the May, 2’s meeting Mrs. Neighbor-Living-Across-the-Street mentioned that she would not buy a property if she knew some neighbor have chickens. But, I would love to buy house with chicken neighbors. Great example confirming my words: 4546 Forest Peak Circle. This property (with the coop in full view!) was recently sold for about 10% more then they bought it for 18 month ago. But I'd bet you that if these buyers had a window into how people in this subdivision speak to one another, they would have reconsidered living in Highland Pointe
  • 15. The second main reasons which oppositions motivated was their conviction that three little chicken attract wild animals such as foxes or raccoons. And in HP discussions on facebook, people have seen coyotes as well in the past. This is from my post discussion on Highland Pointe happening face group:
  • 16. More over there are a lot of rabbits living in our neighborhood. Two years ago, when we didn’t have any chickens at all, we saw a bear reeling across all around. That was really dangerous not only for small pets but for kids! But that bear was not even moved from the community to a wild place, it’s most likely still living here. But three small chickens, by the opinion of several people, are really dangerous for everyone!!!
  • 17. This is a second part of my brief research which says that chickens are not only safe but also beneficial: • Q: Are chickens safe around children? A: Raising chickens in the backyard is a tremendous opportunity for parents to teach young children about the responsibility that comes with caring for a pet, and something about where the food they eat REALLY comes from. This is something a dog or cat cannot do. Due to their small size and friendly demeanor, chickens can be easily handled by young children without the fear of being bitten. • Q: Can their waste have a negative environmental impact? A: The average dog generates 3/4 lbs of manure a day that cannot be composted because of the harmful bacteria and parasites (hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms) that can infect humans. This waste is considered a major source of bacterial pollution in urban watersheds. Dog waste contains higher concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus than cows, chickens, or pigs and is a major contributor of excessive nutrients that flow into ground and surface waters through runoff from city sidewalks and lawns. Chickens produce less waste, and most people who keep chickens in the city also have a garden and compost their chicken manure. When composted and added to the garden, the water quality impact would be virtually nothing. Chickens also reduce the need for pesticides because they eat bugs and weeds, further reducing water pollution. • Q: What areas of the state allow chickens currently? A: Chickens are allowed in Alpharetta, Roswell, Atlanta, Dunwoody, Cherokee County, Decatur, and Smyrna to name a few places in the Metro Atlanta Area.
  • 18. Speaking of safety… I know of at least one resident across the street from me on North Mountain Road that are worried that the chickens attract wild life attempting to eat my pet chickens. Yes, it could be true. But this cannot happen again! After the fox ate one of my chicks I hired a professional to build a stable enclosure. This cannot happen as they are in a stable wire enclosure. And I know she has a pet rabbit which I saw several times playing at her driveway by itself without any gathering it from wild life. Don’t you scary for people passing your house because you rabbit can attract any generous animal, Mrs. Neighbor-Living-Across-the- Street ??? Any animal looking for a meal is much more like to be attracted to rabbits, stray cats and squirrels than our pet chickens.
  • 19. Dear Opposition, Please do not call my pet chickens a “farm life” or even a “poultry.” I provided many evidences they are my pets!!! Its not right call them the “poultry.” I have them not because of their meet or eggs. To call my property a “farm,” is not an accurate. A farm is an area of facility in food production. I do not produce food! My chickens are part of my family!
  • 20. And at last third main reason which oppositions motivated: They are afraid if I will be allowed to keep my chickens then many other neighbors would like to have chickens at their backyards too. But I doubt about it very much. My chickens cost me a lot of money. Just look at these numbers: I did not include any food and maintenance fees. 200$ payment for applying for variances 200$ coop for little chickens 500$ fencing from wild life About 300$ for infrared lamp, leashes, swings, and other accessory. More then 1200 dollars! Comparing to one dozen of farm raised organic eggs costs maximum 5$. Doesn’t it mean that we definitely have them as our dearest pets, does it?
  • 21. Once we applied for the variance ( as per Cobb Code Enforcement Recommendation ) some people suddenly became strongly opposed to our pets even if they were not directly affected by them. Corry Hinz called herself a “chicken racist”. This seems to have become a “power” issue as compared to evaluating this based on facts. More over, I would like to underline some people used very rough, impolite, and disrespectful words toward me and my supporters.
  • 22. Few people from HOA have taken a survey for 100 replies for 498 houses which explicitly requested to vote “AGAINST the variance and act quickly” and claimed that 2/3 of people who filled up the survey were against the variance despite that I got many letters in support of my variance from different residents. My question to all of you as an Elected Official: do you think this would be a Democracy if County Commissioners could be elected by an anonymous online survey taken by 25% of residents ? They did not allow me to join to Facebook group to express my opinion so I had to type 500 E-mail addresses from the directory. They said that “Highland Pointe” is a “high scale” neighborhood and there is no room for chickens there. They already made a decision for me without even allowing to express my opinion to the Residents, just like Communists in USSR. I had offered them to have an opened Elections so each resident could express the opinion Yes/NO – the same response “Highland Pointe” is a “high scale neighborhood which has no room for chickens”. Just like in the past racists in the USA had no rooms for other races.
  • 23. DIVERSITY I support the DIVERSITY for Highland Pointe Community. I can not understand why some people think that Backyard Chickens can NOT co-exists with Tennis and swimming pool. When we bought this house 4 years ago we were never interested in the swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as the majority of residents do not have the membership at Club house. Highland Pointe Community Club has old equipment and not working sauna and steam room. We have a membership in the “Life Time Fitness,’ where we can use pool and other facility we are interested in whole year around We liked the nature and wild life around. Why do some people think that backyard chickens can NOT be part of this nature and our community ? When pot belly pigs can be part of Highland Pointe home pets community according to Georgia Supreme Court decision in 1997. That is the beauty of America: everyone can do what he or she wants on its own piece of land and co-exist with the others. Supreme Court of Georgia. CITY OF LILBURN v. SANCHEZ et al. (two cases). Nos. S97A0678, S97A0870. Decided: October 06, 1997 The Sanchez family home is situated on a .24 acre lot, and is located within one of the City's subdivisions. The Sanchezes owned a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, Eugenia, which they kept as a domestic pet Whether the trial court, or this Court, appreciates, agrees with, or condones the City's action is altogether irrelevant-so long as the City acted constitutionally. We conclude that, by holding the ordinance was unconstitutional, the trial court improperly substituted its own judgment for that of the City's leaders. Judgment reversed.
  • 26. At the end of my speech, I would like to tell that I have as many of Highland Points residents supporting me with their e-mail letters or face book posts as are against: Natallia, Thank you for your heartfelt & candid email. I am in favor of you keeping your chickens and I am sorry that the HP Homeowners Association Board finds great pleasure in taking as much money & freedoms from their members as an occupation. I have lived here since 2001 and it never seems to matter "who" the board is comprised of it's the same as it always was... Same problem with our country for the last 8 years, too big a government and the wrong people telling us how to live! • Your email has brightened my day my God Bless you & your family. Best wishes for your battle with the zoning commission. Respectfully, Michael Lasini 4356 Highborne Dr C770 842 2355
  • 27. Dear Commissioner Birrell, I will be unable to attend the variance hearing but as a resident of Highland Point Subdivision and a resident of Cobb County since 1966, I would like to voice my opinion on the matter. I fully support the Vilchenko family in their fight to have hens on their property. The chickens are well cared for and pose no noise or smell issues. The hens are not visible unless you enter their backyard. The covenants state that any major changes to the rear of the property must have signed approval from any neighbors who can see the changes. http://highlandpointe.org/acc. The hens are only visible by two adjoining neighbors who fully support the Vilchenko’s. That is good enough for me. Based on our covenants, I don’t believe this issue should be decided by the 500 homeowners of this community, it only affects 3 homes out of 500. In addition, there is no evidence that the hens will have a negative impact on the property values of our community. I think it is great to see families wanting to raise their own food and not feed their children processed foods full of hormones. Chickens make great pets and they are a natural insect control. I cannot find a single reason to be against the chickens. Thank you for your service to our county. Sincerely, Thomas and Dawna O’Rourke 4549 Forest Peak Cir Marietta, GA 30066
  • 28. Ms. JoAnn Birrell, Commissioner Mr. John Pederson, Zoning Division Manager Cobb Code Enforcement As a 11 year residence of the Highland Pointe subdivision, I am writing in support of the variance request made by Natallia Vilchenko, 4243 N. Mountain Road, Marietta, GA 3006. Ms. Vilchenko has requested a land use variance to be allowed to keep chickens (hens) on her property in the Highland Pointe subdivision, which is less than two acres. Many residents in my subdivision have voiced opinions that the chickens will increase vermin and decrease property values. My neighbors are right to be concerned about these points. However, Highland Point already has a vermin problem that is unlikely to be exacerbated by the presence of a few chickens. As examples The birdfeeders left out overnight feed our growing neighborhood rat population, which increases the number of well-fed (i.e., large) snakes around our homes. Free-roaming pet cats provide the main food source for the coyotes. Our community areas are covered with dog waste that irresponsible owners leave for the rest of us to enjoy. These things concern me far more than a few pet chickens caged in a backyard. Even more concerning for me is the behavior of The Highland Pointe Recreation Association, which has led a biased charge to motivate neighborhood residents to express baseless concerns and fears to you about pet hens. The Association provided a survey that contained two “pros” to allow the hens, and a long list of “cons.” The Association held a meeting specifically for people who were against the land use permit to allow the hens. The Association chastised Ms. Vilchenko's for contacting residents to ask for their support using email addresses provided by residents specifically for resident-to-resident communication. In closing, I had pet chickens as a child. I can attest that they make wonderful pets. Pet ownership is a wonderful thing for a child. I strongly urge you to allow this variance. Please allow these pets to keep their home. Kind Regards, Catherine Foster 4209 Long Branch Drive Marietta, GA 30066
  • 29. Hi, Natallia! I am so sorry you are having to fight this battle. I am one of your neighbors, and a Realtor, and I'm in FAVOR of having chickens! I've completed the survey. I have clients in Jefferson Township, where the lots are usually over 2 acres and are therefore allowed by the county to have chickens, who have chickens and love them. Makes me want to have chickens myself! Several of my buyer clients want property where they can have chickens, but their price point does not allow for them to purchase a lot that is over 2 acres. I wish Cobb county would lower the acreage requirements for chickens. I know other counties have lower acreage requirements - many people inside the perimeter, especially in Dekalb county, have chickens on small lots. I hope it's a beckoning of the future! Big Hugs to you and your children - and your chicks! Jaime Turner
  • 30. Hi Natalia, Not replying all, but just wanted to let you know I'm in favor of pet chickens. My Buckhead hairstylist has 10 chickens in a very upscale, mid-town area and no one minds. Anyone who opposes this is being ridiculous and petty unless they can cite a valid point. I would like to have some chickens as well and am willing to fight for it! My husband is from Brazil. We're at 4233 just down the street from you. I've been in Highland Pointe for 17yrs. Barbra Christner
  • 31. I’ve been reading up on this topic online – haven’t found any negative repercussions, or instances where chickens have created a drop in property value. In fact there are a lot of US cities, with some of the highest property values, that allow chicken coops in the yards (NYC, LA, Denver, etc). Keep in mind ANY coop, doghouse, etc that is poorly kept will diminish value. So as long as the family takes care of them, and their held to the same covenants as the rest of us, we shouldn’t fight their application. I’m actually more concerned about neighbors who would fight such a cause. Seems prejudicial and baseless. Beware of fear-mongering. If the immediate neighbors aren’t against it, we shouldn’t be either. Good Luck Natalia. Erin Iacomi
  • 32. Natalia- I just want to let you know i am in favor of you keeping your hens. I live on south lake and most people know me as the "duck lady". Personally, my husband and I don't see any difference between you having your hens and us raising ducklings until they are large enough to avoid being attacked by the turtles. I understand how easy it is to become attached to them. I raised every one of the ducks on the lake and i feel a real sense of protection over them. I hope people will understand your point of view and be a little more kind.Good luck! Becky M. Smith
  • 33. • I hope you prevail! Go chickens and kids who love them! Tana Gildea • The real issue is we live in a family oriented neighborhood. If we have some kids that need the chickens, lets let them go for it. Hopefully none of us are racist against anyone. Keep it quiet and we are all good. Go cubs. Scott Morrow • Hi Natalia- I can not attend the meeting but agree with the other neighbors that ;you should be permitted to have your pets. Whatever you need, let me know. I support you and your family. Bath Shore
  • 34. Hi Natalia I just wanted to apologize for a lot of the people in the neighborhood. Please don't take them personally. They are rude and mean and don't think about other people. I'm sorry you are having to go through this! Lots of neighborhoods have chickens. We just looked at a house in Jefferson township that had a chicken coop. You are doing a great job for your son and I hope it all turns out! Please know there are nice neighbors in the neighborhood. I would hate for this to cause you to move or have to give away your chickens! But please don't let people's comments get to you. They are best ignored ;) Best regards, Sheri Quale
  • 35. Hi Natalia, I wrote a email to the commissioner to express my support. I have a friend who lives in Atlanta who has backyard hens and he told me many stories about how smart and entertaining they are. Plus fresh organic eggs! I love the ducks in my backyard. No one seems to care that we have ducks, which are very similar animals. Good luck, you have a lot of opposition. Janice Upson
  • 36. • Hi Natalia! I support you and your chickens. Please let me know how I can help you save the chickens. Dawna O'Rourke 4549 Forest Peak Cir
  • 37. Dear Natalia, We join your nearest neighbors who can see your chickens and are in favor of you being allowed to have three hens in your backyard. I cannot attend the May 2 meeting, but I have taken the survey and informed the Commissioners. Three hens who are discreetly and humanely kept as pets will not lower our property values. The keeping of backyard chickens is flourishing around the county throughout cities, suburban and urban areas. Your chickens are quiet and do not bark. They do not run free attacking and harassing us when we walk our dogs on leash. They do not poop in my yard. We have contacted the Commissioners and encouraged them to move forward with the land use permit to allow three hens on your property. We wish you the best of luck. Sincerely, Stacy Fox 4254 North Mountain Road
  • 38. Here is the letter I just sent to the commissioners. I hope it raises some points that the folks who have issues with this will consider. Perhaps they aren't aware of how trendy chickens are right now, and that the largest home-buying groups are really, really into them. I certainly don't understand how anyone searching for a home here would even know there were chickens. I had no idea, and I've been here, right down the road from them, for 2 years. I often walk and jog by the address very early in the morning, and you can't hear them either. Hello, I'm writing to you as a resident in Highland Pointe neighborhood. It's come to my attention that some people want the Vilchenko family who also reside in Highland Pointe to get rid of their chickens. These are their son's only option for a pet, and actually, chickens are fantastic to have around! I moved here two years ago from living in the city of Atlanta, and I have really MISSED the chickens! That may sound strange to you - someone moving to a more suburban (and even rural in some places) area from the city and missing chickens, but so many people in the city are raising chickens! In my last city neighborhood, we didn't care if some of our neighbors let their's wander, and you would see and hear them everywhere. I sincerely miss their big, crowing rooster. People have fresh eggs to give away. It's really quite wonderful. Before my sons collected the menagerie of pets we currently have, I was toying with the idea of building my own coop here and having some. It never even occurred to me that it would be a problem. I think the biggest issue with the Vilchenkos or anyone else in Highland Pointe having chickens is that some people are afraid it will drive down property values. Unless the Vilchenkos start getting into the poultry business or let the chickens wander, I can't see why anyone searching for a home here would even know there were chickens. Everyone (except for my last city neighbors) I know who keeps them has nicely built coops and the chickens are in the backyard out of sight of neighbors and passers by. Most of these people live in homes worth $500K - 1mm, so they definitely consider property values as well. Without a rooster, there's really no noise that will carry. Another point about those property values - you know who LOVES raising chickens? It's the millenials. A lot of Gen X'ers are into it as well, but the "chicken boom" is the direct result of millenials' desire to raise them and have their own fresh eggs. You know who is the biggest home-buying population now? Millenials. I wouldn't worry too much about them freaking out over chickens - the chickens may even be a selling point. Finally, our wonderful neighborhood really came together recently to save a mama duck and her ducklings that were constantly getting in our newly uncovered pool. Mama duck didn't want her ducklings in the ponds, because the turtles eat them. Several concerned neighbors actually built a coop of sorts to house the ducks until they can mature a bit and hit the ponds without fear of turtles. If people here can do that for some wild ducks - can't we let a little boy have a few hens? Julie Booth Jordan
  • 39. Dear Natalia, This really has nothing to do with real estate or financial matters. If you love your child you might check with those who have given up on chickens. Friends said that they gave up since they attracted rats and snakes which love the eggs too. We have had copperheads in our yard and on the street that would be very dangerous to a child and other pets. We don't want to endanger our neighbors children and pets so please reconsider the wellbeing of your own child. I grew up on a farm with lots of animals in Connecticut and the last animal I would want for a young child is a chicken. Many children develop allergies to the mites in chicken feathers also. You can't leave chickens with a kennel and friends that offer to help get tired of that pretty quick. Sincerely, A hard working gardener neighbor. Carol Pierce
  • 40. Dear Natalia, I strongly support you and your pet chickens. I met your husband on Wednesday when I came to your house. I will take off of work on Tuesday morning to attend the meeting and I, too, will be applying for a variance because -although my neighbors adore MY chickens too - another person (who does not live anywhere nearby) saw them and reported them to the county. I am also trying to believe that there are still people who are kind and not self-centered, who can think about how their negativity poisons the community...but my hope is fading. I do support you though and wish for a fair judgement of your variance!! Maybe I will see you on Tuesday! Have a good weekend, :) Cori Yochim
  • 41. Some people who pretend they represent an official Board ( I’ve never seen any official Board decisions about this ) decided against my pet chickens before they had any facts and never asked for any facts. I had requested to join the HP facebook group and was ignored for three weeks until a neighbor publicly asked why it had been ignored. Their response was they were too busy to accept my request. In that 3 weeks time they were able to tell residents to be against the chickens and I could not defend. After 3 weeks pending, my request to join Highland Pointe Happening group on the Facebook was approved and my “chicken” problem got very huge resonance. Opinions were divided, but most people were for chickens. Administrator of this group page recently deleted those posts with all positive responses. My “neighbors” who are against this have not had decency to even come look at my coop yet are saying false things about chickens and have even said I have roosters (which I do not). They are not right.
  • 42. • Also, I would like to pay your attention that HP board members payed our HOA money for making their fake survey! More then 200$. • The first time when Administrative Assistant, Beth Roedersheimer, sent their letters against my chickens using HP website and broadcast. When I asked her to send my letter to the neighbors about my chickens, my request was absolutely ignored. • The second time, on Thursday May 12, she sent her letter again. I asked her to “ answer my question: Why small group of people use HP official broadcast list of email address? Can you send out my email with an opposite opinion and the same request to everyone???” Her answer was: “That eblast was send out by the board.” After that I asked some more questions: “I never had a personal opinion of the board president? Did you have any board meeting where you discussed this question? Do you have a protocol about it? Did you invite me to participate in solving my problems? I have the right to send my opinion through the community because we are talking about my pets chickens!” She ignored my questions! • She is an administrative person whose salary is payed for my money too, because I'm a HOA member too. It means she doesn't do her job well.
  • 43. Cobb County Government allows to apply for variances for temporary land permit for special cases. And my case is really very special. Dear Cobb County Board Members, I ask you to grant me the variance and check back in 2 years if people from the opposition could present any complaints how my pets chickens can disturb them, if they will ever see them at all during this term.