Re: The approval of the slaughterhouse on Highway 50. It is unconscionable that the Planning Commission allowed a substantial change to the application and approved this item over the objections of many Carson City citizens. Most of the people in favor of this proposal were from other jurisdictions, including a Douglas County planning commissioner (they dis-approved of this item).
An additional public hearing was clearly indicated with the changes suggested by the applicant, but the Planning Commission chose to ignore the public. Whom do they answer to?
The applicant uses the euphemistic term animal processing facility instead of slaughterhouse. Do they think the citizens of Carson City can’t see through that?
The staff report requires the use of Brick Road as entry/egress via Sheep Drive. This road is privately owned, as is Detroit Road. The staff report further requires Brick Road to be brought up to city standards. No agreement between the applicant and the owners of Brick Road granting access or guaranteeing the necessary upgrades was presented to the city or to the public. Therefore, Brick Road cannot be considered an access to this project until such agreement is reached and presented.
This slaughterhouse will be near residences and destroy peoples’ lives. Several years ago, Carson City passed the Quality of Life initiative and now they are trying to destroy it. The people of Carson City have worked hard to improve downtown, save our river for recreation, and make our city into a tourist-friendly town. New entryways into our city, including the Eagle at the south end, the new hospital campus at the north end and the roundabout at the south entrance to downtown (paid for by taxpayers) have been established to enhance our city. This slaughterhouse at the east entrance is a travesty and a slap in the face of all who have worked on Carson City’s future.
The Planning Commission ignored the statements of nearby residents as to the effect on the peaceful enjoyment of their homes as well as the statements in CCMC itself. (CCMC 18.02.15: The purpose of Title 18 is to promote the health, safety and general welfare of Carson City's citizens ... And CCMC 18.02.080.5.b: Will not be detrimental to the use, peaceful enjoyment, economic value, or development of surrounding properties or the general neighborhood; and is compatible with and preserves the character and integrity of adjacent development and neighborhoods or includes improvements or modifications either on-site or within the public right-of-way to mitigate development related to adverse impacts such as noise, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, glare or physical activity;).
Maxine Nietz is a Carson City resident and former planning commissioner.
