On Nov. 29, the Kaufman, Texas Board of Adjustments moved a step closer to closing Dallas Crown Inc., one of two horse meat processing plants in Texas, because many residents consider it a nuisance to the community. The board voted 4 to 0 to reverse a grandfather clause that had exempted the company from city zoning ordinances, according to the Dallas Morning News. Residents said the plant violated water and air regulations.

Terry Capehart, Kaufman’s director of development services, said the city had thoroughly documented problems with the plant. “It’s the impact they’re having on the immediate area,” Capehart told the paper. “The neighbors who live around there have a problem with flies and other vermin and the smell.”

Mark Calabria, a Dallas Crown attorney, told the News, “The bigger issue is what corrective action they want them (the plant) to take.” The city was to address those issues in January.

David Dodd, a city attorney, said the city could either force the plant to comply with ordinances or it could shut the plant down. However, before the city could close the plant, the board must determine if Dallas Crown has been able to recoup its financial investments during its time in Kaufman. If not, the plant could remain open until those investments are regained. Attorneys and accountants for both sides were to meet in January to review the plant’s financial situation