By JIMMY LAWTON

CANTON – Although a site plan has not yet been submitted to the village Planning Board, United Helpers plan to establish a food hub and slaughterhouse in the industrial park is raising concerns from the public.

The United Helper’s for-profit management company SPARX hopes to establish and operate a $2 million slaughterhouse and food hub in Canton’s Industrial Park, located west of Gouverneur street just north of the railroad overpass.

However, following a presentation from United Helpers CEO Stephen Knight at recent Village Board meeting where several residents expressed concerns over a slaughterhouse within the village.

Deputy Mayor Michael Dalton said the main issues expressed by residents were related to the potential odors and sounds that could stem from holding, killing and processing of cows at the facility.

“The biggest concerns are the smells and noise and things of that nature. We are being told that it can be done in a very clean and controlled way that will not produce odors,” he said.

Dalton said that the village Board of Trustees is a long way from approving the project, which first must be approved by the village planning and zoning boards, as well as county planners.

According to Knight, a site-plan has not even been submitted for the project. He said the goal is to inform the public about the plans and address any issues prior to submitting a plan.

Knight says he does not believe odors or loud noises will be emitted from the facility.

In researching the project, he said he recently visited a Vermont slaughter facility designed by Temple Grandin, an animal professor and renowned consultant for slaughterhouse operations with a focus quality treatment for livestock.

Knight said the facility was very clean, well designed and absent of odors.

“I think with proper design we can mitigate many of these issues,” he said.

The facility aims to be capable of processing 16 cows per day. Knight said animals at the facility will not be held for more than a day or two, meaning animal waste will also be minimal.

Knight said his company is having preliminary conversations with planners in hopes of working out potential issues early.

“On any project that we do, we try to give the municipality a good idea of what our plans are before we submit a final plan,” he said. “Another reason we start early is so that people can share their concerns.”

Dalton said the village trustees intend to gather as much information about the project as possible and will be listening closely to the concerns of residents. But, at this time specific details on the project are minimal.

“This is all very preliminary. We aren’t going to rush into anything,” he said. “The citizens are concerned about the concept of a slaughterhouse and the village board will listen to those concerns.