The Walworth County Zoning Agency meeting on June 19, 2025, featured heated discussions regarding a proposed expansion of a local farm, particularly a slaughterhouse, which has raised significant concerns among nearby residents.
Several community members voiced their opposition to the expansion, citing potential negative impacts on property values, quality of life, and safety. Jim Peltier, a resident living directly across from the farm, expressed his frustration over the odors and disturbances caused by the current operations, stating, "It's gonna hurt my property value. It's gonna hurt my peace and quiet." He urged the agency to reconsider the expansion, arguing that it would lead to increased traffic and noise from trucks servicing the facility.
Matthew Bongard, another resident, highlighted safety concerns related to livestock wandering into residential areas, particularly near a group home for vulnerable individuals. He also pointed out discrepancies in the conditional report regarding wetland areas adjacent to the property, raising alarms about potential environmental impacts from increased manure runoff.
Residents emphasized their long-standing presence in the area, asserting that the farm's expansion would disrupt their established way of life. Many called for the agency to reject the proposal and consider alternative locations for the slaughterhouse.
The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between agricultural development and residential community interests in Walworth County, with residents advocating for their rights to a peaceful living environment. The Zoning Agency is expected to deliberate on the proposal further, weighing the concerns of the community against the interests of the agricultural sector.