Long Island Town Opposes Proposed Chicken Farm

Residents in Southold express concerns over potential odors, noise, and disruption to community character.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Residents in Southold, New York on Long Island's North Fork are opposing a proposal to build a large chicken farm in their quiet, residential neighborhood. The project, which would house around 6,000 chickens, was recently approved by the Southold Town Planning Board, sparking outrage among nearby homeowners who worry about strong odors, constant clucking, and the farm's impact on the character of the community.

Why it matters

The proposed chicken farm highlights the tensions that can arise when agricultural development encroaches on residential areas. Residents are concerned the farm could negatively impact their quality of life and property values, while the farm's supporters argue it is a legitimate business venture. This clash reflects broader debates around land use, zoning, and balancing economic interests with community priorities.

The details

The farm would include a 2,100-square-foot steel barn on a 16-acre lot along Ackerly Pond Lane, an area zoned for residential use. Nearby homeowner John Reichert, 87, who lives about 60 feet from the proposed barn, worries the "pile of manure" and "outrageous stench" from 6,000 chickens would "attract rats, mice and flies" and "knock over a horse." The land has not been used for farming in about 50 years and was purchased just last year for $650,000.

  • The Southold Town Planning Board recently approved the chicken farm proposal.
  • The land was purchased for $650,000 just last year.

The players

John Reichert

An 87-year-old resident who lives about 60 feet from the proposed chicken farm barn.

Southold Town Planning Board

The local government body that approved the chicken farm proposal, sparking outrage among nearby residents.

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What they’re saying

“When you have six-thousand chickens, you're going to have a pile of manure that's going to attract rats, mice and flies. The stench will be outrageous — It would knock over a horse.”

— John Reichert, Resident (Newsday)

What’s next

The town will likely continue to hear from concerned residents as the chicken farm proposal moves forward. Residents may explore legal options to challenge the planning board's approval.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of balancing agricultural development and residential quality of life. It underscores the need for careful consideration of zoning, community impact, and compromise when approving projects that could significantly alter a neighborhood's character.