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Manufacturers and residents split at Crookston public hearing over allowing slaughterhouses in heavy industrial zone
Summary
At a public hearing on a proposed zoning text amendment to permit slaughterhouses in the I‑1 heavy industrial district, speakers included a local manufacturer urging conditional limits and residents who argued the facility would create jobs and be regulated by USDA. Council postponed final action to give members more time to consider public input.
The Crookston City Council held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to amend city zoning (chapter 152.65.B and 152.65.E) to allow slaughterhouses and animal processing in the I‑1 heavy industrial zone and heard sharply divided public comment before the council postponed final action.
Charles Iikoff, speaking for IO Colaria, opposed the amendment and asked the council to make the use conditional rather than permitted outright. Iikoff argued the change appeared to benefit a single landowner and said subjecting the use to conditions (odor control, sanitation, waste management, source controls and inspections) would protect neighboring properties; he also alleged construction by the landowner began in violation of setbacks and stop‑work orders.
Other commenters supported the amendment. Matt Barno said the project would bring about 15 jobs and emphasized that USDA inspection and state regulation would oversee sanitation and humane handling. Robin Benson, a business owner with operations in Crookston, told the council on‑site processing would drive customers to local shops and restaurants. Jennifer Ailen, a Crookston resident, said the existing code’s definition of "meat packing" could be interpreted to include slaughtering and urged careful legal review.
Why it matters: The change would alter permitted uses in Crookston’s heavy industrial zoning and could affect nearby businesses and a daycare cited by opponents. Speakers debated regulatory oversight, nuisance risks (odor, noise) and whether the amendment arose from policy need or to accommodate a specific project.
Council action: The hearing was closed and council members agreed to postpone a final vote to the next regular meeting (scheduled Nov. 3) to allow time for additional review and follow‑up questions. Staff and the chair said the extra time would help the council and public absorb the information and provide fuller answers to questions raised during comment.
Next steps: The council will revisit the ordinance amendment at the next regular meeting; members asked staff to compile additional information on regulatory safeguards, any outstanding permits or stop‑work actions, and how state and federal inspections would interact with local enforcement.
