Controversy Over Chicken Farm Plan in Long Island
There’s quite a stir going on.
Residents in Long Island’s North Fork are expressing their anger toward a proposal from Kentucky to establish a chicken farm with 6,000 birds in a residential zone.
People living in Southold are urging local officials to halt the plans for the egg farm on Ackerley Pond Lane. They argue that the smell and noise from the chickens would disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and potentially drive long-term residents away.
“I really hope this doesn’t get approved. If it does, I might have to move,” Chris, a nearby resident, shared on Monday.
He added, “My main worry is about the smell. How can anyone enjoy their backyard or have a barbecue in the summer with that stench lingering?”
Other concerns raised by residents revolve around early morning noise from the birds, which could attract pests and lead to issues with contaminated groundwater from waste. “With 6,000 chickens, the manure pile will draw in rats, mice, and flies,” stated 87-year-old John Reichert. He expressed his concern about the strong odors that would emerge, noting, “The smell is going to be unbearable.” He lives just 60 feet from where the barn would be built.
The Southold City Planning Commission is slated to meet Monday to consider a proposal for a 2,100-square-foot metal barn on a 16-acre property that hasn’t been farmed for 50 years. The land was bought by Grant Callahan last May for $650,000, based on town records.
This egg farm will also feature a space for farm equipment storage, along with facilities for cleaning and packing the eggs.
While Southold is known for its rural charm with existing farms and vineyards, neighbors like Chris feel that adding so many chickens will overshadow the peaceful vibe.
According to local laws, Southold is classified as a “right-to-own farming community,” which affords robust protections for agricultural practices, even if those practices lead to odors or noise disturbances.
Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski, who comes from a farming background, acknowledged the residents’ feelings, saying their concerns are “entirely reasonable.” However, he emphasized that agriculture is integral to Southold’s heritage, and balancing this with neighborly considerations is essential.
