BOONE, Iowa—The Boone City Council did approve the first reading of an ordinance that rezones property on the southeast side of the city for Daisy. A statement on the Council’s action was released by the city on Tuesday:

The City Council voted Monday evening to approve rezoning of land north of Highway 30, advancing plans by Dallas, Texas-based Daisy Brand, LLC to build a state-of-the-art dairy processing facility in Boone.

Daisy executives announced their intentions in April to invest $626.5 million in a 750,000 square foot facility that will initially create 106 new jobs. The employee count is anticipated to grow to 255 as demand increases. The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved $7 million in direct financial assistance and tax benefits for the company earlier this year.

Daisy Brand’s decision to build in Boone followed an extensive search of sites across the upper Midwest covering multiple states. The Ames Regional Economic Alliance, working with the City of Boone, Boone County Economic Growth Corporation and IEDA, finalized the deal.

Daisy requested the rezoning of two parcels of land from an A-1 agricultural district to an M-4 general industrial district to meet zoning requirements on a site that abuts the R.L. Fisher Business Park. The Daisy project would incorporate currently zoned M-4 parcels with the two designated parcels. The A-1 parcels purchased by the company total 62 acres. The rezoning of both parcels was recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the city staff.

During the meeting’s public hearing, Dr. Scott McClure, who owns Midwest Equine PC, 2615 Eastgate Drive, expressed concerns that increased truck traffic, noise and 24-hour lighting from the proposed Daisy facility is incompatible with his business.

The second consideration on the rezoning will be at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 3rd. The Council will also consider an annexation of another parcel of property for Daisy in the same area.