Possible chicken plant concerns some in Cumberland County
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Cumberland County leaders got an earful Monday night from residents opposed to a chicken processing plant being built in their community.
Sanderson Farms wants to build a $130 million state-of-the-art poultry slaughterhouse in the Cedar Creek Business Park, on N.C. Highway 53 east of Fayetteville. The plant would handle more than a million birds a week, which would be trucked in from dozens of grow houses in Eastern North Carolina. The company says it will bring 1,000 jobs to the region.
Opponents in Cumberland County wearing red shirts packed the Cumberland County Commissioners' hearing room, and an adjacent room, to voice their concerns Monday evening.
"You are being sold a bill of goods that you, the community, and the Cape Fear watershed don't need," said one speaker.
"We count on you to honor our property values," said another speaker. "Please vote no against the chicken plant."
A minister who pastors a tiny church next door to the business park pleaded with commissioners.
"Please consider the long-term effects of locating such a facility not only in Cedar Creek, but the entire Cumberland County area," said the minister.
Commissioners later went behind closed doors to discuss an incentives package they may offer Sanderson Farms to lure them to the county. Commissioners adjourned with no comment.
Fayetteville city leaders are also considering similar incentives. The two governing bodies plan to hold a joint meeting and public hearing on the incentives, but a date and time have not been announced.
Until then, opponents say they will use every opportunity to voice their concerns. They hope to have an impact on community leaders.
Sanderson Farm's plans have also caught the attention of Raleigh city leaders. Tuesday, they will discuss the plan, and the environmental impact on Eastern North Carolina.
