The proposed slaughterhouse on Road 39 in Mancos is planning at its worst.
I am from a ranching background, and love the cattle business, but this facility does not belong in the residential/rural ag area. While it could be a great benefit to the local ranchers, and has been talked about for a long time, it should be in a semi-industrial area such as the asphalt/gravel pits. The similar negatives – noise, smells, traffic – are already there.
The Mancos Valley is particularly beautiful and draws residents from all over the country. Putting a slaughterhouse in the same vicinity as homes would set a terrible precedent. I realize that at the moment, it’s open ranch country, but as the large ranches might be split up, due to family circumstances, an abattoir will hardly increase land values.
They are simply incompatible. This is an example of why zoning/planning is so important – so no person will feel personally attacked, but can know at purchase what an acceptable use for the parcel is – or isn’t.
We objected to the Farm Goods for Kids factory a few years back, and this is similar. Planning is supposed to ensure that people can know what their neighborhood will be like in the near and far future as well.
I totally applaud Mr. Monimee’s plan for the facility, but it needs to be in the appropriate area.
Judith Selby
Mancos
