Stephens Co. Commission Holds Public Hearing about Poultry Houses

There was a large opposition to proposed poultry houses at Tuesday’s Stephens County Commission meeting.

Numerous citizens spoke out Tuesday against proposed poultry houses for broilers being constructed on properties on Davis and Yow Mill Roads in Toccoa. The citizens spoke during the nearly three-hour public hearing before the commission meeting at the historic Stephens County Courthouse.

Sherry Smith Pitts said the poultry houses will diminish the quality of life for area residents.

“The smell will take your breath away,” said Pitts. “After we left the Planning Commission meeting last week we dropped our dad off at home. When he opened the car door at his home the smell overcame all of us. I can only imagine what our lives would be like with 20 more (poultry houses). What quality of life will we have? This land is our heritage, a part of our legacy.”

There are already 17 poultry houses in the approximately one-mile area. Those requesting the poultry houses are looking to add 10 new houses at a size of 54 x 500 at each location.

The Stephens County Planning Commission approved the poultry houses for consideration by the Stephens County Commission at their meeting last week. Jason Smith is the civil engineer for both projects and said the houses fit all requirements and regulations.

“We have met all of the required set backs. The adjacent properties are vacant. We have done grading, drainage, erosion control, and checked for state waters and other environmental issues,” said Smith.

Though much of the area is Ag. Intensive, Mike Cochran said it has become more residential.

“My property is located between the two,” he said. “My main concerns are health, safety and quality of life. The growth of our area has gone up the last few years. It is heavy residential with Ag. Intensive. At some point you have to have a balance of farm life and residential. This area also borders commercial areas. Confidence Methodist Church, North Georgia Technical College and Haystone-Brady Industrial Park are all in that area.”

After hearing from the citizens, Stephens County Commissioner Michelle Ivester made the motion to table a decision for 30 days so that the Commission can do more research. The motion passed 4-1 with Commissioner Dean Scarborough opposed. A decision to approve or deny the poultry house requests is set for May 9.