OK, so I've lost the attitude, and I'm prepared to move them.

Why?  Well, because of your excellent advice, of course!

That, and the fact that the Department of Health stopped by today to
tell me that bees are considered farm animals, and as such need to be
permitted by the town.  I need to file an application.

Among the things that they consider are responses from abuttors and
acreage.  They "look for" an acre.  Is 5500 ft2 an acre?  I think not...

So, I'll go through the application process, and perhaps that will get
me through the summer.  Then, with my attitude hidden, I'll have to move
my bees.

Grrrrrrr......

--glen