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Others questioned whether the operation would remain as limited as proposed and raised concerns about groundwater safety.
RIO LINDA, Calif. — A proposed small-scale animal slaughter facility in the Rio Linda–Elverta area is facing strong opposition from nearby residents, many of whom packed a community meeting to urge county officials to block the project.
The proposal would allow a “kill floor” on a 20-acre property along Palladay Road, north of Elverta Road. Notices posted on the quiet, rural stretch of road warn of a planned development, something many neighbors say they do not want.
“This cannot happen,” one speaker said during public comment at the meeting.
Opponents told the Rio Linda–Elverta Community Planning Advisory Council, they are concerned the project would bring odor, noise, traffic and potential water contamination to an area characterized by large-lot properties.
“I rather see a school and parks built there than kill floor,” another speaker said.
More than 70 people showed up to speak at the meeting, filling the room with criticism of the proposal.
The project applicant and property owner, Bahadur Amiri, is seeking approval to convert an existing agricultural building into what he describes as a small-scale religious operation for halal slaughter. The proposal calls for processing two to three animals per week.
“Totally disagree with the name slaughterhouse or Kill floor. It’s just a very minimal small scale, religious,” Amiri said.
Amiri said the facility would operate indoors and comply with required regulations. He also said he would be willing to meet environmental requirements, including how waste is handled.
“I have no problem for putting in whatever is required. Even if it is a sealed tank, absolutely. Most importantly, it’s not only about my neighbors. I will be living there and for me and my kids and my other neighbors,” he said.
Amiri said the operation would serve growing Muslim and Afghan communities in Sacramento, who currently must travel long distances for halal slaughter.
“As a community for Muslims, it’s really required. It’s really required a place that they can come and pick up the animal and slaughter it the right way,” Amiri said.
Some nearby residents said they do not believe the project aligns with existing plans for the area.
“I don’t believe that it’s an appropriate use in our Rio Linda Elverta specific plan,” said Billie Helms, who lives nearby.
Others questioned whether the operation would remain as limited as proposed and raised concerns about groundwater safety.
“It will never stay two or three. Everything seems to grow,” Helms said. “(If approved) I think it needs to be in a sealed container above ground. All of us out there have septic systems, have well water. I don’t want my well water possibly contaminated,” she said.
After hearing public comment, the Rio Linda–Elverta Community Planning Advisory Council voted 5-0 to recommend denying the project. Members cited concerns about its eventual enforcement, sustainability and the likelihood the operation could expand beyond what is currently proposed.
While the advisory council recommended denial, a few more meetings will be held and the county zoning administrator will make the final decision on the project.
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