Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jul 2013
Source: New Haven Register (CT)
Copyright: 2013 New Haven Register
Contact:  http://www.nhregister.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/292
Author: Susan Misur
Page: A1

PLANNERS ALL GIVE POT FARM GREEN LIGHT

Planning and Zoning commissioners put it bluntly: A medical marijuana
grow facility could be good for the area.

They unanimously approved a simple site plan review Tuesday night for
Fairfield-based Advanced Grow Labs LLC to produce the controversial
plant at 400 Frontage Road, although the company will now need to
apply for state approval. If the state grants the business one of only
a few permits, the location could open in early 2014.

Since the city is one of the first in the state to approve such an
application, it's an opportunity for it to get in on the bottom floor
of the state's burgeoning medical marijuana industry.

"I want to thank the town planner and West Haven for opening a
community dialogue and commissioners for being courageous," said David
Lipton, managing partner of Advanced Grow Labs. "This is a big step
for residents of Connecticut to get the medicine they need."

The PZC heard a presentation on the idea earlier this month, but
delayed a vote after expressing a need for more research and concerns
that while state law allows people to use medical marijuana, federal
law prohibits it.

Members showed a new enthusiasm for the plan Tuesday night and had
also reviewed a June 7 memorandum from the attorney general's office
that says it "cannot reasonably conclude that the proposed regulations
are clearly preempted by federal law and, therefore, conflict with
federal law." They were pleased to hear the business, which will only
grow marijuana and not dispense it to the public, will initially
provide around 15 jobs and occupy and clean up a property that has
been vacant for six years.

"So many people said, 'You know that there's going to be a negative
stigma on West Haven if we're known for selling (marijuana), '"said
Vice Chairman Steven R. Mullins, who detailed his past membership with
the city's Drug and Alcohol Task Force and experience in teaching DARE
students about substance abuse. "But this not substance abuse at all.
It's not a promotion of substance abuse. ... If anything, it will be
positive for West Haven and show us looking forward."

Commissioner David Riccio acknowledged the idea of growing medical
marijuana legally is hard for some to accept, since it's always been
viewed as negative and criminal.

"It's a new idea. It's a new era," Riccio said.

The grow facility was categorized on its application as a plant
nursery and would be located in an industrial zone. Though site plans,
such as the one submitted, typically receive quick and easy approvals,
the specific building use for growing medical marijuana took more time
because it was new to commissioners.

The state last year passed legislation saying medical marijuana could
eventually be grown and dispensed. Regulations are expected to soon be
finalized and, at that point, growers and dispensaries can begin
applying for permits.

Lipton expects that he will apply in September or October.

Advanced Grow Labs has not applied to any other towns for production
locations, but may apply for dispensaries. It chose West Haven for
this application because the existing building is near the highway in
"a perfect location for us," Lipton said.

Advanced Grow Labs has plans for security measures, such as motion
detectors and security cameras, as well as a locked area for waste
bins that contain leftover plant parts, which will be mixed with soil
so that they won't be usable to others. A minimum of two employees
will be present at any given time. State regulations will also require
strict security strategies.

"It definitely satisfies me as someone who's going to be working there
and is concerned about my own security and safety and anyone in the
community around us," Lipton said.

The company also plans to make parking lot and landscaping upgrades,
as well as improve a wheelchair ramp.

Company representatives couldn't specify the amount of taxes possibly
generated by the business, but Lipton anticipates installation of
$500,000 of equipment, which would be taxable. Advanced Grow Labs
would at first occupy 26,000 square feet, although there is additional
vacant space for expansion.

Chairman Gene Sullivan accepted public comments, although a public
hearing was not required. Only resident Paul Kaplowe spoke and said
while he was glad a decision was delayed, he now supports the
proposal. Whitney provided him with information after he reached out
to her.

"My big concern was the amount of energy or resources the town would
have to provide to them, as opposed to what they can provide to us.
After hearing and listening and reading, I think it would be a smart
thing for us to go forward with it," Kaplowe told commissioners,
adding that officials should ensure the building will be cleaned up
and improved aesthetically.

Lipton said he's not concerned about a negative stigma on medical
marijuana production facilities.

"What we'll be doing here is manufacturing medicine, like any other
pharmaceutical company," he said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt