Business

Leominster residents oppose slaughterhouse

LEOMINSTER, Mass. (AP) - Some Leominster residents are saying they don't want a chicken slaughterhouse in their neighborhood.

About 30 residents attended a Board of Health meeting Tuesday night to voice concerns about the proposal ranging from traffic, to noise and odors, to sinking home values.

The 7,600-square foot facility proposed for Aspinwall Avenue could handle up to 2,000 chickens or 1,000 turkeys per day. It would employ up to 30 people.

A representative of the company that wants to build the facility tried to reassure neighbors. He said only a few small trucks per day would come and go. Chicken waste would be kept to a minimum.

He said the facility would fill a growing demand for small-scale locally raised food.

The board is expected to meet next week for a final decision.