(WHAS11) - The Metro Zoning Board meeting room was nearly standing room only Monday morning, when the board heard arguments about the future of the JB Swift Meat Packing Plant in Butchertown. More than 1,300 jobs at the plant could hinge on the board's decision.
About 60 people packed the meeting room where the board heard arguments about a conditional use permit. At issue are two construction projects at the plant that were begun without getting proper approval from the zoning board last year. The plant acknowledged the oversight and said it has since worked to comply with the regulation.
Both the plant workers and the neighbors said they didn't want the plant to close down and leave people unemployed.
An attorney for the Swift plant said the revoking the permit would be a "death sentence" for the plant, that has been in the Butchertown neighborhood for 40 years. Metro Council President David Tandy and State Representative Joni Jenkins both spoke to the board arguing against revoking that permit. They said in this economic climate, there is no excuse for terminating thousands of jobs.
Councilman Tandy said the Metro Council is currently working toward creating a "peaceful coexistence" between the plant and its growing base of neighbors that could include plans to move the plant to a more industrial area of Louisville. Although he said details of the plan couldn't be discussed, he said a deal was close to being structured this year and could happen next year.
President of the local food workers union, Gary Best, argued that moving the plant anywhere would cost upwards of $400 million.
"They smell green," said Best. "If they get rid of this plant, they can make a ton of money on this land and that's what it's about. Make no mistake."
He said he's aware of other locations that have been discussed for the plant, including two other states that have expressed interest. He said it would be a "stupid" move for Louisville to voluntarily give up thousands of good jobs.
An attorney representing the Butchertown Neighborhood Association said this is a problem that is happening all over the country: "growing pains." He said the neighborhood is changing into a more urban and residential area and the plant no longer fits with the current landscape. He says the neighbors don't want the workers to lose their jobs, but the plant could move to another location. He says in the very least, they should be made to comply with current regulations.
"We have got to insist on compliance at the plant," said Jon Salomon, the attorney representing the Butchertown Neighborhood Association. "No one is going to lose their job. But if we really want to get serious about job security, we ought to get serious about compliance."
Salomon said there are many options for the board to consider - including a "phased revocation" of the permit that could allow the plant up to three years to apply for a new permit or find a new location.
The Louisville Board of Zoning is expected to make a decision on the matter Monday.
