HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter to Hearing Examiner.docx Patricia Ivers
P. O. Box 173
Nordland, WA 98358
July 29, 2017
Jefferson County DCD
Attn: Nicole Allen
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
NAllen@co.jefferson.wa.us
Dear Mr. Causseaux, Esq.
My husband and I attended the Hearing regarding a Conditional Use Permit submitted by Austin Smith for the purpose of building a Marijuana growing and processing plant (MLA17-00019)
in the residential community of Marrowstone Island. This Tier 3 industrial marijuana plant that is being planned at 9272 Flagler Road, Nordland, WA 98358, violates laws and regulations
that have been put in place for rural residential land use. Our island is residential with a few small family farms, a small Vineyard that hosts our community artists, musicians, for
summer enjoyment. We are also fortunate to have beautiful Ft. Flagler. Ft. Flagler is venue for our local school outdoor education classes, Scout camps, jamborees, and family picnics.
This is a residential community consisting of young school age children with an Elementary school bus stop at across from the proposed sight at Mumby Road. We do not have an industrial
complex on our island. This is not a place for an industrial size Marijuana facility. I ask that you deny this conditional use permit.
The proposed “cottage industry” submitted by Austin Smith does not blend in with our residential community. The residential property Mr. Smith purchased on November 14, 2016, has
remained vacant. During the past 7 months, Mr. Smith has made no attempt to personally
come to the island and present his proposal to our local Marrowstone Island Community Association. Mr. Kevin Coker represented Mr. Smith’s and presented him as a person who would be
living on the island with his family. During the hearing, Mr. Smith, did not state that this would be a family residence, but a production and processing plant with the possibly of
an employee living there. Again, this is not consistent with our residential land use Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan or Jefferson County Comprehensive land use plan
and it is not consistent with other agricultural farms in this area.
Denying a SEPA review for this permit use goes against many of the environmental regulations that Jefferson County insists for other land owners. When building a home on the island,
landowners find themselves jumping through many hoops and regulations to obtain permits.. State Law and Jefferson County Code have strict rules in place for square footage, number
of buildings, and wetlands in the surrounding area. Water on this island for fish and wildlife as well as the many folks that live here and still depend on their wells must be protected
and preserved. Mr. Smith anticipates water usage in the amount of 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of water daily.
I am also very concerned about our safety. Mr. Smith stated that he would be using large quantities of propane to generate heat for the greenhouse to encourage faster growth of marijuana
plants. When operating a growing and processing facility, such as this, on a small rural island where East Jefferson County Fire and Rescue have informed us repeatedly that response
time is a problem and fire is a possibility due to the nature of his plant; many neighbors are concerned for their safety. We do not at this time have a Fire and Rescue team stationed
here nor do we own a fire engine. I was very concerned after hearing this statement at the hearing.
Many islanders continue to use their well water. The island community works to conserve water in our aquifer. Even with conservation, many wells continue to have problems. Although
Mr. Austin’s permit says he will be hooked up to PUD water, this too, is a well driven system. The County obviously found problems concerning environmental issues since they stated
that the “…application involves potentially significant issues relating to location, design, configurations and potential impacts to surrounding properties and the community…..addressed
through an open record hearing before the Jefferson County Hearing Examiner.” Jefferson County is aware of significant adverse environmental impact. The Jefferson County Code requires
environmental review. There is a critical area ordinance and requirements and by denying a SEPA review, the County is not fulfilling their responsibility to the residents of Marrowstone
Island.
The Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan has many goals and policies, among which is the clear goal to preserve the rural character of rural residential property. Thus, LNG 3.0 states
that the goal is to “Ensure that rural residential development preserves rural character, protects rural community identity, is compatible with surrounding land uses, and minimizes
infrastructure needs.” Jeff. Co. Comp. Plan LNG 3.0, at 3-47. The approval of this Permit will not preserve the rural character and community identity of Marrowstone Island.
Mr. Smith made it clear that this property was purchased with the intent to run a commercial business producing and processing marijuana. These uses are not supported in a rural residential
zone and are subject to the CUP process because they inherently present impacts that are not consistent with the policies creating and protecting rural residential zones. The County
should provide an analysis of how the proposed project preserves the rural character and
community identity, and is compatible with surrounding land use. Its failure to do so suggests that it is difficult, even for planning staff, to describe how a nearly 11,000 square
foot greenhouse for an industrial use preserves the rural character and community identity of Marrowstone Island. Additionally, the staff report merely states that the proposed greenhouse
is an accessory building to the primary residential use of the property. Explanation and analysis of how an 11,000 square foot greenhouse for the purpose of producing and processing
a commercial product, fits in with single family homes. Marijuana production and processing is clearly identified as an industrial use in the county code. JCC18.15.040, Table 3-1.
Marrowstone Island does have “cottage farms” where local farmers/families give back to the community. We are fortunate to have a small vegetable stand where you are trusted to purchase
fresh produce, a winery that opens its door to the artistic community by having music and artwork on display. We have a “gem” of a State Park for hiking, biking and camping. There
is nothing in Mr. Smith’s proposed business that can offer anything to the beauty of this island and their residents. Mr. Smith’s application to the Liquor and Cannabis Control board
stated that his business will not provide a living wage job. I doubt he will be hiring anyone from the island.
Yes, I am worried about the air quality, water, public services, the additional use of pesticides and fungicides that can pollute the air and water. I am also concerned that our
Jefferson County Community Development is not adhering to the Comprehensive Plan for Rural Commercial Land Use and Rural Element set forth for a “Cottage Industry.” I know that many
others are addressing this in their letters to you. The Comprehensive Plan along with the Marrowstone Island DCP is clear that both plans want to retain the rural nature of our island
and its residents.
I ask that you do not approve this permit. By granting this permit, you are opening the door and setting a precedent for other industrial uses to be permitted on the island. This
would be in conflict with the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and the Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Patricia Ivers
Resident, Marrowstone Island
cc: Patty Charnas, Director of Community Development – pcharnas@co.jefferson.wa.us
David Greetham, DCD Planning Manager – Dgreetham@co.jefferson.wa.us
Kate Dean, Commissioner District 1 – jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
David Sullivan, Commissioner District 2, jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Kathleen Kler, Commissioner District 3, jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Philip Morley, County Administrator, pmorley@co.jefferson.wa.us