My name is John Hodgson and I am a resident in the peaceful town of Silver Creek, GA. First and foremost, we fully support our local farmers. However, the serene life we appreciate here is under threat due to the arrival of commercial broiler and chicken houses in our community. The construction doesn't only depreciate our cherished property values but it's sparking a series of environmental concerns that cannot be ignored. There are currently (8) 600' x 55', approved broiler houses within 33 of the 117 acres with a county setback of 100' on Bethel Church Rd. There is ample room for expansion, 84 acres worth of expansion.

Our homes are more than just buildings; they are the fruits of our hard labor, our life-long savings, and our children's future inheritance. We should not stand by and watch their value diminish due to industrial farming's expansion, which could deter potential residents or property buyers due to associated nuisances. 

Moreover, the issue transcends beyond personal finances. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), waste from poultry farms can negatively impact air and water quality, posing a risk to the public's health. Nitrate run-offs from such farms have also been connected to harmful algal blooms in various bodies of water, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Let's protect the value of our homes and, more importantly, uphold the environmental integrity of our beloved Silver Creek. We understand that it's necessary to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, but we urge our local and state representatives to consider our predicament. We believe in alternate, more sustainable ways of economic development, which do not compromise our home's integrity and our quality of life.

Please sign this petition to preserve the integrity and health of Silver Creek, our homes, and our families, and oppose the construction of broiler and chicken houses in our town.