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HomeMy WebLinkAbout23 05-02-17 Comment Summary m ee,, cX c\-,,C 17 ( \\.0 1 si) . Ditati ‘ T.) MLA17-00019 Comments • Tuesday May 2, 2017 MAY 2 2017 please extend more time for public hearings on the proposal to put agrrf€rjy` ,fOgit on this 1 small,vulnerable island. r DCD Danielle roth, marrowstone resident. Ctitle..../ l Marsha Fitzpatrick letter Dear DCD Staff: I am in opposition to the proposed Greenhouse Grow Operation of Marijuana here on Marrowstone Island. 1)Information,opinion papers and official documents concerning this type of business venture speaks to the various incompatible aspects to this location. These include the heavy use foot print it takes in a rural area such as Marrowstone. Lighting, traffic, noise, odors and waste treatment all are not part of a primarily residential, quite and rural community. We as a society and larger community have zoned and set aside areas for this type of"industrial" business just to provide approved land and areas for them. Re-zoning or calling an operation such as this compatible or compliant with the surrounding use or the Marrowstone Community Plan is wrong and irresponsible. 2)The known and recognized impacts to local quality of life of both humans and the natural environment are negative with such things and lighting, noise and land values. While there are many suitable areas or locations available other than Marrowstone--why is it so hard to just say NO to this application? At the very least a Public Hearing should be conducted to allow an open discussion and viewpoints done and heard. Thank you, Michael Zimmerman East Marrowstone Rd Nordland, Wash. 98358 Patrick Hopper, My wife and I live at 40 Nolton Road, about 3,000 feet from the proposed marijuana operation at 9272 Flagler Road. We are strongly apposed to permitting the grow operation and 10,000 sq ft building proposed by 3 Austin Smith /Olympus Gardens marijuana grow operation on Marrowstone Island. Please reject this permit. Here are our reasons why. 1. Permitting the facility is NOT in the best interest of the welfare, health, or safety of the people of the Marrowstone community. 23 1 AlIf • There is potentially significant adverse environmental impacts on the island and surrounding waters. • The proposed growing and processing area is located only 2,600 feet from Fort Flagler State Park, a place where thousands of families with children enjoy the park environment. • Marrowstone is an island and has limited groundwater recharge and is susceptible to irreversible degradation from fertilizers, pesticides, and accidental releases of processing chemicals. • The smell of growing marijuana cannot be mitigated by being contained in a large greenhouse. These plants require ventilation 24 hours a day. Marijuana can be smelled thousands of feet from a 10,000 square foot growing facility source. • The applicant, Austin Smith, has a record of not complying with code in a previous grow operation in Silverdale, Washington • There is an RV park with children next to the proposed growing operation 2. Marrowstone Island is zoned Rural Residential C(d) • The proposed commercial growing operation is not part of an established, permanently occupied residence and is inconsistent with and would be detrimental to the rural character of the Marrowstone Island community. • Commercial development on the island has been prohibited for many years, the only commercial businesses on the island are the general store and the shellfish processing facility, which were "grandfathered". • If this marijuana grow operation is permitted it will set a precedence and open the door for more such operations to be established, destroying the unique rural atmosphere of the island. • Property values will drop significantly. The financial investments of nearby home owners will be unfairly impacted by this single marijuana grow operation. 3. Marijuana is not classified as agricultural product and therefore cannot be compared to other farming activities on the island. http://apps.leq.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=82.04.213 • RCW 82.04.RCW 82.04.213 (1) "Agricultural product" means any product of plant cultivation or animal husbandry including, but not limited to: A product of horticulture, grain cultivation, vermiculture, viticulture, or aquaculture as defined in RCW 15.85.020; plantation Christmas trees; short-rotation hardwoods as defined in RCW 84.33.035; turf; or any animal including but not limited to an animal that is a private sector cultured aquatic product as defined in RCW 15.85.020, or a bird, or insect, or the substances obtained from such an animal including honey bee products. "Agricultural product" does not include marijuana, useable marijuana, or marijuana-infused products, or animals defined as pet animals under RCW 16.70.020. 4. Most jurisdictions in Washington Sate that allow marijuana production in warehouse and green house type structures... they• ...have limited them to manufacturing or industrial zones where are less obvious or controversial. (mrsc.orq, Marijuana Regulation in Washington State) 23 2 11111 5. Marijuana grow/processing operation and federal land • The US Naval Magazine, NAVMAG owns the entire 2,716-acre Indian Island,including where State Highway 116 crosses the island. http://www.mybasequide.com/navy/14- 550/nb kitsap naval magazine indian island. Transporting marijuana to and from Marrowstone Island to the mainland via Indian Island would violate federal law and is a felony. • Any navigable waterway is patrolled by the US Coast guard and therefore being in possession of marijuana on any waterway would be illegal. (visitseattle.orq) • The US Postal Service does not allow transport of marijuana through the mail, nor would they carry marijuana over federal land. Again, please reject this marijuana grow operation, Thank you, Greg Kammer and Cydna Halverson Jefferson County Community Development Office Attention Pat Hopper 621 Sheridan St Port Townsend, WA 98368 rr Dear Pat, I am writing regarding the proposed marijuana farm and processing plant at 9272 Flagler Road, Nordland, Washington on Marrowstone Island in Jefferson County. My wife and I are very much opposed to such a large operation being located on the island as it would be out of character for a small rural,family community. It doesn't take much research to discover that marijuana growing and processing plants are not simple neighborhood businesses. Quoting from an article titled "Marijuana Facilities: Codes, Standards, and Managing the Hazards—Expert Article" published by Robson Forensic: "Equipment to manage fumigation, CO2 enrichment, high intensity lighting, large volume humidity control, and oil extraction are commonplace in industrial facilities and are becoming increasingly common in burgeoning marijuana grow and processing facilities." The article goes on to warn of the high risk of fire and explosion and lists an alarming number of chemicals used in the processing of marijuana. This kind of operation seems more appropriate for an industrial zone rather than a small residential community with a part-time volunteer fire department. The location proposed is zoned residential with Jefferson County Cottage Industry guidelines. However, the size and nature of the proposed business does not seem to fit with the intent of these guidelines. As a property owner and resident on the island, I am also concerned that such a facility would have a negative impact on property values, increase the amount of commercial truck traffic, and increase the amount of noise, light, and potentially, water pollution. 23 3 U' All For these reasons, we are strongly opposed to the proposed commercial marijuana growing and processing operations on Marrowstone Island and ask the Community Development Office to deny all such applications. Sincerely, Greg Kissler( Full-time resident of Marrowstone Island) 372 Moen Rd Nordland, WA 98358 stanagreg@yahoo.com Dear Mr. Hopper, My name is Harold N. Copelan. My wife and I live at 532 Schwartz Rd. on Marrowstone Island. We emphatically OPPOSE the pending permit for a marijuana operation on our island. After visiting our son and his family here (they live on Griffith Point Rd.)for extended periods in 2014 and 2015, we bought our beautiful property in Sept. 2015. We are retired healthcare professionals who chose to commit a considerable portion of our retirement savings to make our permanent home here. It was a life-altering decision to leave our long-time home in Atlanta, GA.The previous owner lovingly cared for the property by planting and nurturing many fruit trees and flowering shrubs. His house was built in 1975 and has quite a bit of"character". We have committed to preserve the history and legacy he left when he passed away. We simply love it here and have enjoyed each day since we arrived. The Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan and Resolution no. 23-78 captures our dream and the desired lifestyle it articulates. Although written and adopted years ago,we believe it is still valid for most of the residents of Marrowstone. We urge the decision makers regarding this Application to value the desires of the residents and grasp the negative impact of such an operation on daily life for all { of us. I cannot speak with scientific knowledge of the specific and potential damage to water supply, �✓ pollution and economic impact. However,there is no readily recognized positive impact of the enterprise. We enjoy great freedoms and rights in our wonderful country. Certainly, the applicants have the right to ask for permission to use their property as they desire. However, we are a community of people who !` chose this place and this time to live here. My hope is that you will not view this application in anything approaching isolation but, rather,what is best for we who have made the fundamental decision of how and where we want to live. In common parlance, "Please Don't Screw Up Our Paradise!" Sincerely, Neil Copelan neilcope@bellsouth.net Phone: 404-354-9935 This type of industrial operation does not belong in a rural residential neighborhood. It belongs in an industrial area. Please do not permit this to intrude in our lives. We islanders do not deserve bright j security lights shining onto our property and do not deserve our privacy being invaded by security video cameras which will record neighbors' activities and people peacefully driving down the highway without their consent. We do not deserve the wasteful use of our water, nor the runoff of pesticides and fertilizers. Send these people where they belong—an industrial area. Just because they want to become rich,they need to go elsewhere. Rose-Ellen Leonard 23 q- to 1583 Griffith Point Road Nordland WA 98358 379 9445 23 m ee,, cX c\-,,C 17 ( \\.0 1 si) . Ditati ‘ T.) MLA17-00019 Comments • Tuesday May 2, 2017 MAY 2 2017 please extend more time for public hearings on the proposal to put agrrf€rjy` ,fOgit on this 1 small,vulnerable island. r DCD Danielle roth, marrowstone resident. Ctitle..../ l Marsha Fitzpatrick letter Dear DCD Staff: I am in opposition to the proposed Greenhouse Grow Operation of Marijuana here on Marrowstone Island. 1)Information,opinion papers and official documents concerning this type of business venture speaks to the various incompatible aspects to this location. These include the heavy use foot print it takes in a rural area such as Marrowstone. Lighting, traffic, noise, odors and waste treatment all are not part of a primarily residential, quite and rural community. We as a society and larger community have zoned and set aside areas for this type of"industrial" business just to provide approved land and areas for them. Re-zoning or calling an operation such as this compatible or compliant with the surrounding use or the Marrowstone Community Plan is wrong and irresponsible. 2)The known and recognized impacts to local quality of life of both humans and the natural environment are negative with such things and lighting, noise and land values. While there are many suitable areas or locations available other than Marrowstone--why is it so hard to just say NO to this application? At the very least a Public Hearing should be conducted to allow an open discussion and viewpoints done and heard. Thank you, Michael Zimmerman East Marrowstone Rd Nordland, Wash. 98358 Patrick Hopper, My wife and I live at 40 Nolton Road, about 3,000 feet from the proposed marijuana operation at 9272 Flagler Road. We are strongly apposed to permitting the grow operation and 10,000 sq ft building proposed by 3 Austin Smith /Olympus Gardens marijuana grow operation on Marrowstone Island. Please reject this permit. Here are our reasons why. 1. Permitting the facility is NOT in the best interest of the welfare, health, or safety of the people of the Marrowstone community. 23 1 AlIf • There is potentially significant adverse environmental impacts on the island and surrounding waters. • The proposed growing and processing area is located only 2,600 feet from Fort Flagler State Park, a place where thousands of families with children enjoy the park environment. • Marrowstone is an island and has limited groundwater recharge and is susceptible to irreversible degradation from fertilizers, pesticides, and accidental releases of processing chemicals. • The smell of growing marijuana cannot be mitigated by being contained in a large greenhouse. These plants require ventilation 24 hours a day. Marijuana can be smelled thousands of feet from a 10,000 square foot growing facility source. • The applicant, Austin Smith, has a record of not complying with code in a previous grow operation in Silverdale, Washington • There is an RV park with children next to the proposed growing operation 2. Marrowstone Island is zoned Rural Residential C(d) • The proposed commercial growing operation is not part of an established, permanently occupied residence and is inconsistent with and would be detrimental to the rural character of the Marrowstone Island community. • Commercial development on the island has been prohibited for many years, the only commercial businesses on the island are the general store and the shellfish processing facility, which were "grandfathered". • If this marijuana grow operation is permitted it will set a precedence and open the door for more such operations to be established, destroying the unique rural atmosphere of the island. • Property values will drop significantly. The financial investments of nearby home owners will be unfairly impacted by this single marijuana grow operation. 3. Marijuana is not classified as agricultural product and therefore cannot be compared to other farming activities on the island. http://apps.leq.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=82.04.213 • RCW 82.04.RCW 82.04.213 (1) "Agricultural product" means any product of plant cultivation or animal husbandry including, but not limited to: A product of horticulture, grain cultivation, vermiculture, viticulture, or aquaculture as defined in RCW 15.85.020; plantation Christmas trees; short-rotation hardwoods as defined in RCW 84.33.035; turf; or any animal including but not limited to an animal that is a private sector cultured aquatic product as defined in RCW 15.85.020, or a bird, or insect, or the substances obtained from such an animal including honey bee products. "Agricultural product" does not include marijuana, useable marijuana, or marijuana-infused products, or animals defined as pet animals under RCW 16.70.020. 4. Most jurisdictions in Washington Sate that allow marijuana production in warehouse and green house type structures... they• ...have limited them to manufacturing or industrial zones where are less obvious or controversial. (mrsc.orq, Marijuana Regulation in Washington State) 23 2 11111 5. Marijuana grow/processing operation and federal land • The US Naval Magazine, NAVMAG owns the entire 2,716-acre Indian Island,including where State Highway 116 crosses the island. http://www.mybasequide.com/navy/14- 550/nb kitsap naval magazine indian island. Transporting marijuana to and from Marrowstone Island to the mainland via Indian Island would violate federal law and is a felony. • Any navigable waterway is patrolled by the US Coast guard and therefore being in possession of marijuana on any waterway would be illegal. (visitseattle.orq) • The US Postal Service does not allow transport of marijuana through the mail, nor would they carry marijuana over federal land. Again, please reject this marijuana grow operation, Thank you, Greg Kammer and Cydna Halverson Jefferson County Community Development Office Attention Pat Hopper 621 Sheridan St Port Townsend, WA 98368 rr Dear Pat, I am writing regarding the proposed marijuana farm and processing plant at 9272 Flagler Road, Nordland, Washington on Marrowstone Island in Jefferson County. My wife and I are very much opposed to such a large operation being located on the island as it would be out of character for a small rural,family community. It doesn't take much research to discover that marijuana growing and processing plants are not simple neighborhood businesses. Quoting from an article titled "Marijuana Facilities: Codes, Standards, and Managing the Hazards—Expert Article" published by Robson Forensic: "Equipment to manage fumigation, CO2 enrichment, high intensity lighting, large volume humidity control, and oil extraction are commonplace in industrial facilities and are becoming increasingly common in burgeoning marijuana grow and processing facilities." The article goes on to warn of the high risk of fire and explosion and lists an alarming number of chemicals used in the processing of marijuana. This kind of operation seems more appropriate for an industrial zone rather than a small residential community with a part-time volunteer fire department. The location proposed is zoned residential with Jefferson County Cottage Industry guidelines. However, the size and nature of the proposed business does not seem to fit with the intent of these guidelines. As a property owner and resident on the island, I am also concerned that such a facility would have a negative impact on property values, increase the amount of commercial truck traffic, and increase the amount of noise, light, and potentially, water pollution. 23 3 U' All For these reasons, we are strongly opposed to the proposed commercial marijuana growing and processing operations on Marrowstone Island and ask the Community Development Office to deny all such applications. Sincerely, Greg Kissler( Full-time resident of Marrowstone Island) 372 Moen Rd Nordland, WA 98358 stanagreg@yahoo.com Dear Mr. Hopper, My name is Harold N. Copelan. My wife and I live at 532 Schwartz Rd. on Marrowstone Island. We emphatically OPPOSE the pending permit for a marijuana operation on our island. After visiting our son and his family here (they live on Griffith Point Rd.)for extended periods in 2014 and 2015, we bought our beautiful property in Sept. 2015. We are retired healthcare professionals who chose to commit a considerable portion of our retirement savings to make our permanent home here. It was a life-altering decision to leave our long-time home in Atlanta, GA.The previous owner lovingly cared for the property by planting and nurturing many fruit trees and flowering shrubs. His house was built in 1975 and has quite a bit of"character". We have committed to preserve the history and legacy he left when he passed away. We simply love it here and have enjoyed each day since we arrived. The Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan and Resolution no. 23-78 captures our dream and the desired lifestyle it articulates. Although written and adopted years ago,we believe it is still valid for most of the residents of Marrowstone. We urge the decision makers regarding this Application to value the desires of the residents and grasp the negative impact of such an operation on daily life for all { of us. I cannot speak with scientific knowledge of the specific and potential damage to water supply, �✓ pollution and economic impact. However,there is no readily recognized positive impact of the enterprise. We enjoy great freedoms and rights in our wonderful country. Certainly, the applicants have the right to ask for permission to use their property as they desire. However, we are a community of people who !` chose this place and this time to live here. My hope is that you will not view this application in anything approaching isolation but, rather,what is best for we who have made the fundamental decision of how and where we want to live. In common parlance, "Please Don't Screw Up Our Paradise!" Sincerely, Neil Copelan neilcope@bellsouth.net Phone: 404-354-9935 This type of industrial operation does not belong in a rural residential neighborhood. It belongs in an industrial area. Please do not permit this to intrude in our lives. We islanders do not deserve bright j security lights shining onto our property and do not deserve our privacy being invaded by security video cameras which will record neighbors' activities and people peacefully driving down the highway without their consent. We do not deserve the wasteful use of our water, nor the runoff of pesticides and fertilizers. Send these people where they belong—an industrial area. Just because they want to become rich,they need to go elsewhere. Rose-Ellen Leonard 23 q- to 1583 Griffith Point Road Nordland WA 98358 379 9445 23