PRINCESS ANNE, Md.- A new 12-house mega poultry farm is in the works to be built on Anderson Road in Princess Anne. Neighbors along the dead end street are worried about the poultry operation coming to their neighborhood.
Neighbors are upset their concerns are not being taken into consideration, but Somerset County Planning and Zoning Director Gary Pusey said in this case public input is not required as long as the proposed poultry house plans meet the county's current poultry house code requirements.
Sister Patricia Lennon lives at the St. Joseph Cloister on Anderson Road. She recently learned about the plans for a new poultry operation from neighbors.
"We were told it was going to be built, that they were legally alright in doing this whatever company this is, but we weren't told the area neighbors were not told about this," Lennon said.
Pusey said there is no requirement neighbors be notified in this case and the land is zoned for this purpose. Lennon said this has caused concerns for her about the health and quality of life in the neighborhood.
"My personal main concern would be the water. The neighborhood is suppose to be kind of a quiet place, meditative and free for people to walk around. We have retreats out here," Lennon said.
Pusey said the site plan for the proposal is still being reviewed.
Don Shiflet is a veteran and said he moved to the quiet neighborhood on Anderson Road three years ago to better cope with his PTSD symptoms.
"I bought this property to be away from everybody for peace and quiet and now I understand this is going to be built. It seems like it's going in under the cover of darkness and they're sneaking it in," Shiflet said.
Shiflet said the thought of a busy poultry operation in the neighborhood is causing him a lot of anxiety.
"If this happens and it's 12 houses, I'm going to sell my house and leave. I'm going to have to find another place to live. This is being thrown into my comfort zone and I just can't deal with it," Shiflet said.
Pusey said no building permits have been applied for or issued yet for the new poultry farm.
