SHERBURNE—More than 60 Sherburne area residents braved an after-dark lake effect snow squall to pack a Sherburne municipal meeting room with hopes of learning more about the proposed slaughterhouse Tuesday night, December 13, but few new facts were unveiled at the regular monthly meeting.

Prior to the commencement of regular business, the tone was set by Planning Board Chair Rich Kellogg who offered perspective from the Town's point of view, reminding all those who came out that public comment was not on the evening's agenda.

“Whatever happens here is a legal process, and nothing more,” said Kellogg. “As a planning board, we are addressing a request based on the town laws. So let's be clear—this is black and white: it is not gray, it is not subject to opinion. This is very clear in the Town laws.”

“We have been very gracious over the past several months to allow public comment over these meetings, but again, let me be clear: this is not a public hearing; so I ask that folks continue to respect that and understand that in the future, we are not going to open this up to public comment. This is an applicant-driven process.”