NICKERSON, Neb. (AP) — Economic development officials thought the tiny Nebraska town of Nickerson was the perfect spot for a poultry processing plant offering 1,100 jobs, but residents were furious when they learned of the plans.
They packed a fire hall and argued the roads couldn't handle the traffic for the proposed $300 million plant, the plant would have a horrible stench and that immigrants and out-of-towners would rush in, overwhelming schools and changing the town's character.
The village board unanimously voted against the proposal, and weeks later the company said it would look elsewhere for a plant location.
Chris Young, executive director of the American Association of Meat Processors, says despite calls for investments in rural, agricultural communities around the U.S., more people "don't want the inconveniences that go with them."
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