HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarijuana Letter to Hearing Examiner.docxGlenn Gately
711 Robbins Road
Nordland WA 98358
360-385-5774
27 June 2017
To:
Stephen K. Causseaux, Esq.
Jefferson County Hearing Examiner
902 South 10th Street
Tacoma, Washington 98405
CC.
Patty Charnas, Director of Community Development, pcharnas@co.jefferson.wa.us
Pat Hopper, Associate Planner, phopper@co.jefferson.wa.us
Kate Dean, County Commissioner District 1, jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Kathleen Kler, Commissioner District 3, jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
David Sullivan, Commissioner District 2, jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Philip Morley, County Administrator, pmorley@co.jefferson.wa.us
aarthur@ptleader.com
Re: JEFFCO Case # ZON17-000093
Building Permit BLD17-00003
Dear Mr. Causseaux,
I have been a resident of Marrowstone island since 1977 and a landowner since 1979. My wife and I live here because of the high quality of life here on the island. To preserve this
high quality of life, the residents of Marrowstone had the foresight to write the Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan. These island residents had a deep knowledge and love
for this island and its natural beauty. The plan was approved and certified by the Jefferson County Commissioners on March 20, 1978.
Mr. Austin Smith is claiming his marijuana business is a cottage industry and has filed a cottage industry permit. The permit states: "An administrative determination to deny an application
will be made when the proposal is not consistent with the goals, policies and provisions of the Comprehensive Plan and/or applicable community development plan and the Jefferson County
Code." In this case the applicable community development plan is the Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan (pertinent pages attached).
The general plan goal (page 15) states: "The goal of the Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan is to maintain, preserve and enhance the rural atmosphere and scenic beauty of
Marrowstone Island."
A 10,000 square foot, 23-foot high greenhouse with 8- foot fence, outdoor security lights and powerful fans does not maintain, preserve or enhance the scenic beauty of Marrowstone Island.
The number 1 goal under the "commerce and industry" section (page 18 ) states: "To provide for a level of commerce that is adequate for the needs of island residents and to a lesser
degree summer tourists."
This business is not a retail business, so it will not provide for the needs of island residents or summer tourists.
The number 2 goal states: "To insure that commercial development is located, designed, constructed and operated in a desirable and well-planned manner."
Virtually all of the island residents I have talked to say that residential land is not a desirable location for this business. In particular, the residents near Mr. Smith's land are
voicing their feelings at this hearing that they do not desire a very large greenhouse with lights, fence, and fans next to them.
Policy 1 states: "Home or cottage businesses should: (c) not affect the use, value, or enjoyment of adjacent properties."
Other than social security, my wife and I have no retirement plan. In 2005, we purchased a 5-acre parcel (021204022) on Schwartz Road as an investment for our older age. This parcel
is 420 ft. southeast of Mr. Smith's parcel. We are concerned that, when we go to sell it, its value will have decreased due to the nearby marijuana operation.
One potential buyer of land currently for sale adjacent to Mr. Smith's property lost interest after learning that a marijuana operation was going in next door (see attached letter by
Mr. Alan Gustafson).
In Spokane County, at least one landowner had his property value reduced 10 percent by the Board of Equalization because of the smell coming from a marijuana operation.
It is also likely that the marijuana operation will affect the enjoyment of those residents living nearby. I know it would for me.
In conclusion, the proposed marijuana growing and processing operation does not comply with all the goals and policies stated in the Marrowstone Island Community Development Plan. It
is not your typical "Ma and Pa" cottage business and is not a good fit in a residential neighborhood. I respectfully request that you deny the permit.
Sincerely,
Glenn Gately