JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Plans to establish a meat processing plant on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville have been shelved.

Apna Bazar, an international grocery store known for its supply of halal meat, had initially requested the facility to enhance the freshness of its products and create job opportunities while fulfilling a significant demand within the city’s Muslim community, as explained by the store’s managers to First Coast News in August.

On Wednesday, Kevin Carrico, President of the Jacksonville City Council, announced that Apna Bazar had withdrawn the component of their rezoning application related to animal processing.

This decision came in response to objections from nearby residents who expressed worries about the implications of animal transport, as well as noise and odor issues, affecting the residential areas along Beach Boulevard.

The owners of Apna Bazar released a statement to First Coast News regarding their decision to withdraw their request for the meat processing facility, which is in part below:

“When we moved to 11173 Beach Boulevard, our vision was to create a space that reflects the diversity and warmth of our community. Our recent request to add animal processing came from a sincere desire to meet the growing need for fresh, affordable halal meat for our brothers and sisters in faith. We believed this would be a way to better serve those who rely on us.

However, we have listened closely to the concerns of our neighbors. Out of respect for our community, we have decided to withdraw the request for animal processing at Apna Bazar. Your voices matter to us because this community is the heart of everything we do.

The need for locally processed halal meat remains, and we will continue searching for a location that works for everyone. In the meantime, we want you to know—whether you supported or opposed the proposal—you are always welcome at Apna Bazar. This is your home as much as ours.”