Decision on chicken plant delayed

Fireworks erupted at City Hall in Crisfield, as a packed audience gathered to watch city council make a decision on a potential chicken plant on route 413. 

The project has come under fire from residents and a member of council.  The decision on a chicken manure plant, it was decided by a 4-1 council vote, will be made January 10.

The decision came after councilman Erik Emely voiced his displeasure about pushing the decision down the road.  Emely argued that this topic has been ongoing for months.

"Why are we waiting until the day of the vote to get more information.  Go out and get it, it's here.  I've heard it.  We've heard from the president of the poultry industry, we've heard from chicken poultry people over here."

Eventually Emely laid down the gauntlet, requesting a vote, met with a round of applause from the audience.

That was when City Manager Rick Pollitt chimed in, saying that he was reassured the council would vote to postpone a vote, because of this he informed Tom Spangler, chairman of CleanBay Renewables, to stay home.

"I contacted Mr. Spangler, who had asked if he would've coming down tonight to speak, and I said that my information is four of the five council members have agreed to postpone this issue until January 10. That's why he's not here."

Pollitt claims Spangler could present information to the residents and answer concerns.  Charlotte Scott also lent her voice on her decision to table.

"It's technology, it's on the forefront on some people's minds.  On the other hand there's a lot of opposition, a lot of our citizens who are knowledgeable and who have good information see it the other way."