OLAGUE FARMS MEAT PACKING INC., located at 15712 Nelson Road, Woodstock, IL, in Hartland Township, is requesting an A-1 Agricultural District to A-1 with Conditional Use Permit for FOOD PROCESSING WITH ANIMAL SLAUGHTER.

The proposal includes new construction of a commercial slaughterhouse and food processing facility. The applicant has estimated weekly slaughtering of 400-500 lambs, goats and sheep, plus 15-17 cows. 

Intent

The intent of this petition created by Hartland Township citizens with the full support of all Trustees for Hartland Township, is to notify McHenry County Planning and Development, the Zoning Board of Appeals and McHenry County Board that collectively we oppose a conditional use permit under consideration for Olague Farms Meat Packing Inc. We feel this proposed commercial slaughterhouse facility goes against the spirit of the ordinance as written, and the applicant does not meet the approval standards for a conditional use permit. 

Concerns

The proposed commercial slaughterhouse would be located in close proximity to numerous residences, beautiful farms, the Valley Hi Nursing & Rehabilitation of McHenry County, and government facilities including Hartland Township offices and McHenry County Department of Transportation. 

Resource Depletion

This would be a family owned and operated commercial slaughterhouse using precious McHenry County resources. The majority of the livestock will come from outside McHenry County and be sold to businesses primarily in Chicago -- as stated by applicant.

Negative Impacts 

• Slaughterhouse will use massive amounts of groundwater putting stress on an already undercharged aquifer.
• Land and noise pollution.
• Constant odor and air pollution consistent with slaughter facilities. 
• Significant decrease in neighboring property values.

Opinion

Proposed slaughterhouse would be best located on a parcel zoned industrial which is better suited to handle waste and water demands, traffic and emergency services. 

Community Outreach

Help protect Hartland Township and surrounding communities. If this commercial slaughterhouse permit is approved it will change our communities forever.  Please take a moment to sign this petition and spread the word. We hope to see you at the public hearing.

Public Hearing

McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals
March 27, 2025 1:30 pm
2200 Seminary Ave.
Woodstock, Il 60098