A judge is set to hear a weeklong trial in an appeal over the Lancaster County Board’s denial of a permit to run a large broiler chicken facility on a farm about a mile from Raymond Central Junior-Senior High School.
"Sunset Poultry's proposed facility not only meets, but exceeds, the standards for a special-use permit," attorney Mary Jacobsen, who represents landowners Wayne and Charlene Greve, said in an opening statement Monday.Ìý
The business is seeking to build eight barns housing about 380,000 broiler chickens to be raised for the Costco processing plant in Fremont.
In November 2019, the Lancaster County Board voted 3-2 to deny a special permit after hearing opposition from neighbors, including the Raymond Central School District.
Sunset Poultry and the Greves appealed the decision in Lancaster County District Court, setting up a contentious trial that pits neighbor against neighbor.
On Monday, Jacobsen said projects such as these create opportunities for young families, like Josh and Tonya Bussard's, to stay in rural areas and carry out Nebraska and Lancaster County's agricultural heritage.
The couple are part-owners who would manage the operation, she said.
"The Bussards care about their community. They have a student in the room at (Raymond) Central School District. They will be working in and around these barns. They drive on the roads, they drink the water and they breathe the air," Jacobsen said.
They are committed to taking every step to run the barns properly "and to suggest otherwise is an insult," she said.
Jacobsen said she didn't doubt the neighbors' convictions but said their objections were based on fears and speculation about what might happen and could be remediated by conditions being placed on the permit.Ìý
On the other side, attorney Brian Jorde, who represents opponents of the permit, said the question isn't if Sunset Poultry checked the right boxes on the application, but rather "should this facility be built at this specific location."Ìý
HeÌýtold Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson she would hear testimony about the concerns of the people who live next to the property and of the school district, which has hundreds of children outside on the northern edge of its property closest to where 2.28 million chickens a year would be raised in barns.Ìý
Plus, he said, up to 5% of the chickens die each year.Ìý
"That's 114,000 dead and rottingÌýchickens," Jorde said, which would be left in an open-air bin called a "dead shed."
He said that alone was enough to rule against the special-use permit. Then, there were water and road issues. Jorde said the barns would require 8 million gallons of water to operate per year. And a gravel road with soft shoulders used by a handful of residents would have to handle 1,100 trucks a year, along with inexperienced, young drivers going to school nearby, Jorde said.
He said his clients aren't the kind of people who protest concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.
"It's simply not an intelligent location for this kind of infrastructure," Jorde said.Ìý
Nelson is expected to take the case under advisement at the end of the trial.Ìý
The Sunset Poultry application was the second one in the county since Lincoln Premium Poultry, a Costco subsidiary, started recruiting farmers to raise chickens for the plant in 2016.
The other application, which is in the southwest part of the county, is half the size of the Sunset Poultry proposal and was approved in 2018 by a County Board with different membership.
That approval of the plan from landowner Randy Essink was upheld in Lancaster County District Court and by the Nebraska Supreme Court in December, when opponents appealed.
Highlights from the 2021 Spring Parade of Homes
1. Austin
1. Austin 10100 S. 31st St.
Builder: Prairie Home Builders, Inc. Subdivision: Iron Ridge. Price range: $450,000-$500,000 with lot.
Features: Three-bedroom split-ranch, 1,711 finished square feet, 11’ great room ceiling, open kitchen, large island, walk-in pantry, covered patio off dining room, first-floor laundry, mudroom, separate master entrance hall, tile shower, finished basement with fourth bedroom, ¾ bath, recreation room, wet bar. .
2. The Truman
2. The Truman 10040 S. 31st St.
Builder: Legacy Homes. Subdivision: Iron Ridge. Price range: $450,000-$500,000 with lot.
Features: 2,970 square feet, four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, convenient second-floor laundry, batwing island, natural gas fireplace, Sierra Pacific windows and patio doors, additional 1,054-square-foot family room in finished lower level. Visit our Omaha design studio.
3. The Whistler
3. The Whistler 10030 S. 31st St.
Builder: Legacy Homes. Subdivision: Iron Ridge. Price range: $450,000-$500,000 with lot.
Features: Furnished model, 2,792 square feet, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, huge kitchen island, electric fireplace showcased, convenient second-floor laundry, 952-square-foot family room in finished lower level, James Hardie ColorPlus siding, 95% efficient natural gas furnace/water heater, Low-E glass windows/patio doors.
4. The Campbell
4. The Campbell 10020 S.31st St.
Builder: Legacy Homes. Subdivision: Iron Ridge. Price range: $450,000-$500,000 with lot.
Features: 1,917 square feet, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, stunning kitchen, main-floor laundry, additional 1,499-square-foot family room in finished lower level. See and price thousands of selections to customize your home at our Omaha design studio, off I-80 Harrison Street exit.
5. Haven
5. Haven 9601 S. 34th St.
Builder: ÌýVisionary Custom Homes.ÌýSubdivision: ÌýWilderness Hills.ÌýPrice range: Ìý$400,000-$450,000 with lot.
Features: ÌýAlmost 3,000 finished square feet, five-bed, three-bath, walk-in pantry, linear fireplace, movie room, wet bar, outdoor fire pit, separate grand master suite w/walk-in tile shower, master closet connects to main-level laundry, rough-in for vehicle charger in oversized garage.
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6. The Allissa
6. The Allissa 15901 S. 58th Place
Builder: ÌýVermaas Construction.ÌýSubdivision: ÌýThe Preserve at Cross Creek, Roca.ÌýPrice range: Ìýover $750,000 without lot.
Features: ÌýZero-entry, over 4,000 finished square feet, huge windows at back, organic modern four-bedroom, five-bath, zero-entry walk-in shower, custom-built cabinets, butler's pantry, four-season room, stainless steel railings, 9'-14' ceilings on main level, 9'ceiling in walkout basement, heated master bathroom floors and garage.
7. The Parker
7. The Parker 9511 Brienna Drive
Builder: Peak Design Builders. Subdivision: The Woodlands at Yankee Hill. Price range: $400,000-$450,000 with lot.
Features: Open plan, 11' custom coffered living room ceilings, three bedrooms, two first-floor bathrooms, main-level laundry/mudroom, custom-built kitchen island, gas fireplace, master suite w/three-pane window, walk-in closet, walk-in tiled shower, additional two bedrooms, full bathroom, wet bar in finished basement, extra-long garage. .
8. The Quartz
8. The Quartz 7930 Maxine Drive
Builder: Richland Homes. Subdivision: The Woodlands at Yankee Hill. Price range: $400,000-$450,000 with lot.
Features: Abundant natural light in main entry, engineered wood floors, kitchen/family room combine for entertaining, floor-to-mantel fireplace, oversized walk-in pantry, LED under-cabinet lighting, drop zone, laundry room outside master, extra three spacious bedrooms, USB outlet in kitchen and master.
9. Acadia
9. Acadia 8631 S. 81st St.
Builder: ÌýNuHaven Builders.ÌýSubdivision: ÌýThe Woodlands at Yankee Hill.ÌýPrice range: Ìý$350,000-$400,000 without lot.
Features: Ìý3,000 square feet, abundant natural light, designed for easy living and entertaining, generously-proportioned kitchen, granite countertops, three bedrooms, master w/walk-in closet and en suite bathroom, living room fireplace, covered patio, large recreation room, two bedrooms and bathroom in basement.
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10. Sequoia
10. Sequoia 8100 Patrick Ave.
Builder: ÌýNuHaven Builders.ÌýSubdivision: ÌýThe Woodlands at Yankee Hill.ÌýPrice range: Ìý$350,000-$400,000 without lot.
Features: ÌýFive-bedroom, three-bathroom, 3,100 plus square feet, solid surface flooring, windows surrounding fireplace, central heating and cooling, open-concept living, dining and kitchen, quartz countertops, high-end stainless steel appliances, master suite, basement entertainment space, large recreation room, two additional bedrooms, bathroom, storage.
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11. Vistas Modernas
11. Vistas Modernas 9750 Napa Ridge Drive
Builder: Build DCB Inc.. Subdivision: Vintage Heights. Price range: $550,000-$600,000 with lot.
Features: Five-bedroom, three-bathroom, 3,181 finished square feet, split bedroom design, waterfall island, walk-in pantry, wide-plank flooring, modern fireplace, master suite w/floating vanity, glass surround walk-in tile shower, heated flooring, walkout with wet bar, two additional bedrooms, office/gym space overlooking backyard/commons,.
12. The Rose
12. The Rose 8820 Pebble Creek Court
Builder: R&D Custom Homes. Subdivision: Boulder Ridge. Price range: $550,000-$600,000 without lot.
Features: Five plus one bedrooms, four bathrooms, butler’s pantry, master w/walk-in shower, heated floors, connects to laundry and mudroom, 12’vaulted ceilings, double-sided great room fireplace, beams through great room, dining, sunroom, super-sized back windows, covered deck, walkout w/two bedrooms, exercise/game room.
13. Alderwood Townhome
13. Alderwood Townhome 6035 S. 87th St.
Builder: Prairie Home Builders Inc. Subdivision: Covenant Addition. Price: $250,000-$300,000 with lot.
Features: Furnished one-bedroom ranch, 1,150 square feet, 9' ceilings, covered deck off living room, granite countertops, large island, luxury vinyl plank flooring, first-floor laundry, mudroom, master w/double sinks, walk-in closet, additional basement bedroom, full bath, office with French doors, recreation area.
14. The Parker
14. The Parker 9303 Swan Creek Road
Builder: Woita Homes. Subdivision: Wandering Creek. Price: $500,000-$550,000 with lot.
Features: Open floor plan, main floor boasts 1,855 square feet, another 1,266 finished square feet in lower level, gas fireplace w/built-in shelves and lower cabinets, five bedrooms, three full baths, white oak wood floors, oversized painted woodwork, home audio. .
15. The Wandering Creek
15. The Wandering Creek 9326 Rattlesnake Road
Builder: Ironwood Builders. Subdivision: Wandering Creek. Price: Over $750,000 without lot.
Features: Five bedrooms, office, large walk-in pantry, five bathrooms, over 4,500 finished square feet, modern open plan, large walk-in master closet, two-story great-room ceiling and foyer, one-of-a-kind custom wood staircase, custom cabinets/woodwork, free-standing tub, tiled shower, lower-level wet bar. .
16. The Belle Maison
16. The Belle Maison 1101 S. 88th St.
Builder: ÌýBCW Builders.ÌýSubdivision: ÌýWhite Horse.ÌýPrice: Ìý$500,000-$550,000 with lot.
Features: ÌýFive-bedrooms, over 3,300 finished square feet, large windows, 11' ceilings, stone great-room fireplace, covered patio, large kitchen island, pantry, master w/coffered ceilings, walk-in closet, walk-in shower, main-floor laundry, mudroom w/lockers, wet bar and daylight windows in lower level.
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17. Waterford Estates Luxury Townhomes
17. Waterford Estates Luxury Townhomes 312 Half Moon Drive
Builder: Smetter Custom Homes. Subdivision: Waterford Estates. Price: $300,000-$350,000 with lot.
Features: Three bedrooms, 2 3/4-baths, large corner pantry, covered patio, granite countertops throughout, recessed lighting, white cabinetry (soft-close kitchen), glass tile kitchen backsplash, stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, spectacular primary suite with double vanity, spacious finished basement.
18. The Mille Farmhouse
18. The Mille Farmhouse 10501 Century Lane
Builder: ÌýAvid Builders, LLC.ÌýSubdivision: ÌýDominion at Stevens Creek.ÌýPrice: Ìý$400,000-$450,000 with lot.
Features: ÌýOpen plan, stone fireplace in great room, gigantic island with cabinets on both sides, spacious pantry w/butler's shelf, master suite w/double sinks, dramatic walk-in shower, walk-in closet, second main-floor bedroom, main-floor laundry, lower-level family room, three more bedrooms, covered patio.
19. Sonoma
19. Sonoma 2839 N. 90th St.
Builder: Prairie Homes Lincoln Inc. Subdivision: Prairie Village. Price: $350,000-$400,000 with lot.
Features: Three-bedroom split-ranch, 1,493 finished square feet, great room and kitchen cathedral ceilings, large island, luxury vinyl plank flooring, pantry, covered patio off dining room, first-floor laundry, master features double sinks, walk-in tile shower, finished basement with fourth bedroom, full bath, recreation room. ,
20. The Confluence
20. The Confluence 5000 Alvo Road
Builder: ÌýKDB Investment Building.ÌýSubdivision: ÌýNorthbank Preserve.ÌýPrice: Ìý$200,000-$250,000 with lot.
Features: ÌýTownhouse, over 1,800 finished square feet, three bedrooms, primary suite with double sinks, walk-in closet, three bath areas, electric fireplace, granite kitchen/bathroom countertops, second-floor laundry, patio, Andersen windows, painted hardwood trim, Carrier high-efficiency electric furnace. www.kinningdesignbuild
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21. Camden
21. Camden 4 7349 Strait Road
Builder: Prairie Homes Lincoln, Inc. Subdivision: Legends Addition. Price: $400,000-$450,000 with lot.
Features: Four-bedroom, 2,148 finished square feet, 9’ ceilings, coffered great room ceiling, large island, walk-in pantry, first-floor laundry, mudroom w/bench and hooks, ground-level master w/ door to deck, double sinks, tile shower, three, second-floor bedrooms, full bath, luxury vinyl plank flooring. .
22. The Archer
22. The Archer 7401 N.11th St.
Builder: Legacy Homes. Subdivision: Legends Addition. Price: $350,000-$400,000 with lot.
Features: Grand foyer, living room cathedral ceilings, shiplap gas fireplace, quartz countertops, GE slate appliances, engineered hardwood floors, island, master w/walk-in closet, oversized tiled shower, double vanity, linen closet, optional 3/4 bath, oversized bedroom, family room finished basement package. .
23. The Westland
23. The Westland 7421 N.11th St.
Builder: Legacy Homes. Subdivision: Legends Addition. Price: $300,000-$350,000 with lot.
Features: Electric tile fireplace, quartz kitchen countertops, GE stainless steel appliances, engineered hardwood floors, island with waterfall quartz edge, master w/walk-in closet, oversized shower, double vanity, and linen closet, optional finished basement package of 3/4 bath, oversized bedroom and large family room. .
24. The Russell
24. The Russell 7433 N. 11th St.
Builder: Legacy Homes. Subdivision: Legends Addition. Price: $400,000-$450,000 with lot.
Features: Fully furnished, 2,635 square feet, four bedrooms, 3 1/4 bathrooms, second-floor laundry opens to hall and master closet, open main-floor living area, 1,099-square-foot family room in finished lower level, gas fireplace options, Sierra Pacific windows. .
25. Sapphire
25. Sapphire 610 Blue Sage Blvd.
Builder: Blake Builders, LLC. Subdivision: Fallbrook. Price: $500,000-$550,000 with lot.
Features: Main-level master, laundry area, open concept kitchen, dining and living room with high-end finishes, oversized covered patio or front porch, two more bedrooms and office upstairs as well as a lounge area overlooking the lower level, Energy Star rated windows. .
26. The Donovan Jr.
26. The Donovan Jr. 1723 W. Avalanche Road
Builder: ÌýRybak Homes.ÌýSubdivision: ÌýHighland View.ÌýPrice: Ìý$400,000-$450,000 with lot.
Features: ÌýOver 2,800 finished square feet, durable, waterproof SPC flooring throughout main living area, 11' living room ceilings, fireplace w/windows on each side, island, 5'x5.3' pantry, laundry/mudroom off kitchen w/custom-built lockers, five bedrooms, split floor plan, large recreation room, tiled zero-entry master shower.
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27. The Ezekiel
27. The Ezekiel 2326 NW 57th St.
Builder: Hartland Homes. Subdivision: Hartland's View Pointe West. Price: $250,000-$300,000 with lot
Features: 1,598 square feet, three bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, walk-in pantry, separate dining space, main-floor powder room, oversized master w/en suite bath, soaker tub, deep walk-in closet, second bedroom w/walk-in closet, unfinished basement for fourth bedroom, recreation room and bathroom.
28. The 1844
28. The 1844 6355 Las Verdes Lane
Builder: ÌýAXE & ABE Builders.ÌýSubdivision: ÌýSouthwest Village Heights.ÌýPrice: Ìý$350,000-$400,000 with lot.
Features: Ìý1,541 square feet, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, great room w/vaulted ceilings, natural lighting, electric fireplace, walk-in pantry, accent wall in master, walk-in shower, laundry room, basement wet bar, over 2,700 finished square feet downstairs, four-plus-stall garage.
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29. Ava Nicole
29. Ava Nicole 6501 Las Verdes Lane
Builder: Schneider Custom Homes. Subdivision: Southwest Village Heights. Price: $350,000-$400,000 with lot.
Features: California split-bedroom plan, 1,546 square feet, five bedrooms, center island with seating for four, walk-in pantry, covered patio, master suite off great room, master bath w/walk-in tile shower, finished lower level with two bedrooms, third bath and recreation room. .
30. Nantucket II
30. Nantucket II 6541 Verano Drive
Builder: Remington Homes, LLC. Subdivision: Southwest Village Heights. Price: $300,000-$350,000 with lot.
Features: Three of four bedrooms w/walk-in closets, 2 ½ baths, 2,046 square feet, L-shaped kitchen with pantry closet, living room w/fireplace, powder bath, mudroom w/storage, master with double vanity, large shower, convenient second-level laundry, Anderson windows, second electric furnace on second floor. .
Reach the writer at 402-473-7237 or lpilger@journalstar.com .
On Twitter @LJSpilger
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