About 50 people showed up to a usually quiet Leavenworth County Commission meeting on Thursday.
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They are reeling after Governor Sam Brownback and Tyson Foods announced the poultry giant's plans to build a $320 million dollar plant near Tonganoxie.
Even though the new complex would bring 1,600 new jobs, people who live in Leavenworth County say, it isn't worth it.
"Studies have discovered an increase of respiratory, neurobehavioral and mental illnesses in communities next to factory farms," said Cecilia Pruitt, a pediatric nurse.
Pruitt also questioned if the city's school systems could support the children an additional 1,600 workers would bring.
The owner of Tailgate Ranch, Kirk Sours, owns 2,000 acres on three sides of 240 acres of the land Tyson purchased.
"The average Tyson wage of a Tyson employee who lives in kansas is $36,000. I don't see those folks buying a lot of homes," said Sours, who believes an increase in low-paying jobs may not positively impact the community that is known for its small-town, Norman Rockwell feel.
Another big concern is what will happen to the waste?
"In factory farms manure and urine are generally stored in open air pits known as lagoons," said Pruitt.
County leaders started the meeting on the record saying they do not favor that design either.
"I do not support open air lagoons if this project goes through," said Doug Smith, Chairman of the Leavenworth County Commission.
Residents brought up concerns that they found out too late.
Tyson foods has already purchased 300 acres and plans to break ground this fall.
"My life and the lives of this community has been in a tailspin since we found out," explained Jarret Pruitt, who lives in Tonganoxie.
The county commissioners said they were under a non-disclosure signed by the city administrator back in June.
Now that the announcement has been made, that is lifted.
Smith said Tyson can not build anything until they have redevelopment and zoning permits.
The commission plans to have at least three public hearings before those are given. Smith told critics they should sign a petition to show why they are against the development.
That can be picked up in the county clerk's office at 300 Walnut Street in Leavenworth.
