HomeMy WebLinkAboutmarijuana letter.doc
711 Robbins Road
Nordland, WA 98358
July 31, 2017
Re: Permit application for tax parcel 021204015
Dear Mr. Causseaux,
I am writing to request that you do not approve the marijuana factory at the north end of Marrowstone Island. This kind of business is not in an appropriate location for the size and
scope that Mr. Smith has proposed. The Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan as well as the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan both would not consider a ¼ acre building as
a cottage industry.
I have concerns about the interactions between Patrick Hopper, Department of Community Development, Kevin Coker, Austin Smith’s representative and also a member of the Jefferson County
Planning Commission, and Austin Smith. From emails that are public record they had planned a quiet, quick approval of the building plan and cottage industry permits. Signs were placed
where one person happened to look after noticing a yellow sign semi-hidden in bushes. Residents were given 2 weeks from the sign placing to respond. I do not believe that Patrick Hopper
had done his job by not informing Austin Smith about the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and for the Island residents our Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan. Austin Smith
should have been advised that this was not a good place to buy land and start a business.
There are 14 marijuana growing businesses in Jefferson County. One is in an agricultural area and the owner has been a resident and farmer for years. Neighbors all approved. The others
are in the industrial area of Port Townsend.
If Austin Smith is able to get his building approved, it will certainly bring others with similar plans to do the same. Another non- resident had plans to build his marijuana business
at another location on Marrowstone. The residents near Gybe Ho Road responded before he got his license. This person still owns the property there and has still not paid environmental
damages done to property that he did not own. It is most probable that he will find it encouraging to continue his efforts to move forward with his business also.
There are just too many inconstancies and changes to what Austin Smith is and has proposed in his plans. He does not plan to live here. He does not really care about the quality of
life on the island. Mr. Smith wants to operate a business with a structure larger than any other on the island. He claims trees on neighbors land as his forest buffers. The DCP states
that Austin Smith will provide jobs for Jefferson County residents. Yet the Jefferson County and Marrowstone plans limit the number of non-immediate family members working at a cottage
industry.
As hearing examiner, I do hope that you consider the people of Marrowstone Island in your decision. We have lived on the island since 1977 and when we bought our property in 1979 the
seller/owner made sure that we were familiar with the Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan before we bought. Austin Smith should have been given the same advice.
Sincerely,
Linda Gately