Possible new Chicken farm could be coming to Lincoln

Posted By: Pierce Georlett

pgeorlett@klkntv.com

A major topic for some local residents could be voted on later this week for more on a possible chicken farm in Lincoln.

Residents Expressed their concerns about a new Costco chicken farm. So Costco wants to answer some questions those neighbors and the public may have about this new farm.

Randy Essink who will be the owner of the proposed chicken farm that has caused some problems to surrounding neighbors.

"We’re going to be smelling this all summer long, anytime we want to open our windows, which I’m afraid we’re not going to be able to do anymore," says neighbor Curt McConnell. 

The neighbors around Randy and this new proposed chicken farm, have made it very clear that this is something they don’t want.

"There’s going to be airborne fecal matter that’s going to inundate us like a brown snowstorm. I’m not happy about that prospect." added McConnell. 

But to Randy these concerns are not factual in his eyes.

"We have an 18 month and son and if it was detrimental in any way health wise or something that would impact him or us or the neighbors we wouldn’t even be interested in doing this project," said Essink. 

According to the people from Costco the smell of these four chicken barns that could house more than 180,000 chickens is a non–issue.

"It really shouldn’t be anything that should concern any of the neighbors because it will be intermittent it will be very rare and this site is perfect as you can see it’s completely surrounded by trees which really is another barrier and buffer that will continue to protect neighbors from any negative impact," said Jessica Kolterman head of External Affairs for Lincoln Public Poultry. 

Lancaster Planning Commission will have a hearing this Wednesday where everyone will have the opportunity to air out their concerns.