Live Poultry Market Approved In Alexandria Despite Concerns

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Alexandria City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to approve a live poultry market after receiving a number of comments for and against the business. DC Poultry Market will open at 3225 Colvin Street, which is surrounded by industrial and commercial uses.

The butchery will sell poultry using the halal method of meat preparation. Customers will be able to choose live poultry, which will be processed and brought to the waiting area. According to a staff presentation, the business plans to process 200 chickens daily on average. Proposed hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. The business anticipates more customers on weekends.

Councilman Canek Aguirre said he went through 200 emails for and against the proposal. Those against cited concerns of cleanliness and the appropriateness of a butchery in Alexandria.

"If you are a vegetarian...totally understand," said Aguirre. "If you're an animal rights activist, I totally understand. We also have to live within the realities of our society that we do consume meat and meat products."

Concerns raised through the previous public hearing and letters to council members addressed the market's proximity to pet businesses. Pet businesses in the vicinity include Frolick Dogs, Dogtopia, Pinnacle Pet Spa and More and Wholistic Hound Academy.

Dr. Steve Haering, director of the Alexandria Health Department, said based on the applicant's information and regulations, "we could identify, including the state public health veterinarian, could identify no public health concerns to residents or their pets from approval of the chicken slaughterhouse."

The city recommended a number of conditions on odor, waste, delivery and parking to prevent impacts to nearby businesses. As the poultry is expected to create odor, animals must be stored inside the building at all times, windows and doors must be closed, and the business must have an odor control plan. The business will also recommend deliveries between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. to minimize impacts on surrounding businesses.

In regard to waste, the butchery must store refrigerated areas inside the building until waste companies come to remove it. Staff analysis indicated AlexRenew had the ability to treat the waste.

The butchery would have to undergo two inspections from the Virginia Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services. A yearly inspection from the Meat and Poultry Services would look at sanitary conditions and health of the poultry. The Veterinary Services would conduct quarterly inspections on the facility's cleanliness, health and fitness of the chickens and shot records. The city will conduct its own inspection reevaluating the special use permit after one year, then every three years.

Council members who voted against the proposal were Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and Amy B. Jackson.