MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Alderman Khalif Rainey changed his position regarding a proposed slaughterhouse in Milwaukee's Century City Business Park following "an overwhelming response from neighbors in opposition to the project."
Alderman Rainey issued this statement Friday, Oct. 18:
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, protesters filled City Hall ahead of a Common Council meeting to approve construction. During that meeting, Rainey, who represents the area where the plant would be located, said he didn't believe these protesters represented his neighbors or understood what those new jobs would mean for them.
"When you talk about trauma and PTSD, these things exist in our community, and I don't hear from you all when it's going on on a daily basis," said Rainey.
City leaders announced in September that Strauss planned to build a 175,000 square foot headquarters and meat processing operation in the city-owned industrial park. Protesters Tuesday said they only recently learned the facility would include a slaughterhouse.
Alderman Bob Bauman agreed.
"I would move item 61 and 62 back to committee," said Alderman Bauman.
Bauman, who sits on the committee overseeing the sale, told the Common Council it was clear at the last committee meeting the public didn't know enough.
"There was nobody there," said Bauman. "No citizens in support. No opposition. It was essentially an empty room."
Critics say slaughterhouses are bad for the environment. Some worried the odor coming from the facility would impact nearby neighborhoods.
Strauss Brands LLC., based in Franklin, is a leading producer of specialty meats, including American grass-fed and organic beef, as well as veal and lamb. Strauss supplies a mix of retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States.
Initially, the Strauss Brands move to Century City is expected to provide 250 jobs.
Strauss issued this statement to FOX6: