Backyard barn leads to county controversy in Champaign
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A house in Champaign has turned into a backyard barnyard. It’s becoming the talk of the neighborhood — and county.
It’s located off Mattis and Windsor in a residential area. Neighbors are now asking for help to get rid of what they say is an eyesore that doesn’t belong in the area.
“That was just a bridge too far. We said, now this has got to stop,” said Eric Auth, who lives right next door.
Auth said the barn has accumulated trash, debris, and now animals. Upwards of 40 chickens, three pigs, a couple turkeys and some ducks have been raised for harvest.
“All the things that go with it — all the mess, the feces, and the odors, and the smells and the sights — you know, that’s not what we’re here for. We’re here to enjoy our property, and currently we can’t,” Auth said.
Here’s the catch: the area is technically county land. Champaign city ordinances regarding livestock restrictions do not apply.
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Jenny Lockshin is one of several Champaign County board members who went to check it out. She said Auth isn’t the only one who’s upset.
“I’ve heard from people who are right next to that property on Phinney. It’s hearing it all hours of the day,” Lockshin said, “from as early as 5, 5:30 in the morning until dusk, hearing roosters — at a pretty loud volume to be able to pick it up from that far away.”
In February, the county board passed an ordinance restricting roosters within 1,000 feet of the City of Champaign. Lockshin said the county is able to continue taking action if more complaints are lodged.
“As of right now, there are no ordinances on the books limiting the amount of different livestock other than roosters, specifically in Champaign County,” she said.
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Even with the ordinance in effect, roosters still roam in the backyard with the other animals. Auth — who has recently hired an attorney — said he’s going to address all options moving forward.
“I’ve talked with neighbors in the area here. They’ve had their concerns with him. The county has talked to him and written him. And when someone simply ignores other people to that degree, well, I guess I’m the one that’s going to have to take the lead and say this has got to stop.”
WCIA was unable to get in contact with the man living in the house. In a phone call last week, he did say that he does it to grow his own food and doesn’t see an issue with it.
Lockshin says the time it takes to pass new county ordinances depends on what it is. Things like zoning changes would take longer.
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