I would like to make the rural residents of Jefferson County aware of the movement to expand the marijuana growing and processing businesses to rural residential zones.

I am fully aware of the importance of supporting commercial growth and expansion of business opportunities in the county, and hope to see more activity in that area. However, the recent efforts to move businesses like marijuana growers and processing plants from a light industrial zone to rural residential properties under the cottage industry codes seems completely out of place. The periodic odor of skunk (processing), extensive use of water, the noise from fans (all hours) and the 10,000-square-foot buildings are only some of the issues that leave people concerned.

Recently, Planning Commission members voted unanimously to add a review of the codes by the Department of Community Development, considering it important enough to be included in a revision of the DCD work plan for this year. It’s true that the DCD is understaffed at this time, but this issue is creating extra work for the staff already as they manage the heated response of local residents when notified of the proposed new business in their quiet, peaceful rural residential property. The estimated cost of the review is less than $8,000. Meanwhile, residents upset about the proposed business that would radically change their neighborhoods are spending thousands of dollars and time to block such efforts.

On June 10 at 10 a.m., the Board of County Commissioners will meet to hear the concerns of residents in an open hearing. I encourage everyone to think about the implications of a marijuana grow-op in your neighborhood and then send your thoughts to the BOCC by email to jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us, or attend the meeting on June 10 to hear the discussion.

Steve Date
QUILCENE