Pubdate: Thu, 25 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

POT FACTORY BRINGS JOBS, BUT WILL NEGATIVITY CLOUD CITY?

"The owners of the property have been good neighbors and pay their 
taxes, and the building's been empty for a very long time." - West 
Shore Fire Department Acting Deputy Chief Patrick Pickering

It will help the city by bringing jobs and tax dollars, is simply a 
medicinal factory and benefits people with illnesses. Or, it's not 
the type of business West Haven needs and could paint the city in a 
negative light.

How the city may be impacted by a medical marijuana production 
business remains to be seen, but these are just a few of the opinions 
residents have on the issue.

Advanced Grow Labs LLC received approval from the Planning and Zoning 
Commission Tuesday night to open a grow facility at 400 Frontage Road 
as long as the state eventually gives the goahead.

David Lipton, managing partner of the company, said it could open in 
early 2014, possibly expand later, and only produce the plant, rather 
than sell directly to consumers.

Though that's months away and a favorable PZC vote is only one of 
many necessary steps, the proposal is still a hot topic in town.

City Council member Thomas McCarthy said he's glad it's creating jobs 
and is confident the facility will be "one of the safest in West 
Haven" because of the heavy regulations about to be imposed by the 
state. He added it would have been difficult for the PZC to reject 
the application because the site plan complies with zoning 
regulations in an industrial zone.

"I'm thrilled that West Haven is a progressive enough city to be on 
the forefront of this. I have great admiration for the Planning and 
Zoning Commission for taking on what could be a touchy subject and 
dealing with this in a professional way," McCarthy said.

"And I get that there are people with end-of-life illnesses where 
it's appropriate for them. I think we misconstrue this to be people 
buying $5 bags down the street, and that's not what it's for."

The plan is also receiving a positive reaction from West Shore Fire 
Department Acting Deputy Chief Patrick Pickering, who's been meeting 
with building officials and Advanced Grow Labs since April, since 
Frontage Road is covered by that department.

In his research, he's found that grow facilities will see stricter 
regulations in Connecticut than Colorado, which is where one of 
Advanced Grow Labs' business partners currently is active in the 
medical marijuana industry.

"The owners of the property have been good neighbors and pay their 
taxes, and the building's been empty for a very long time," Pickering 
said. "So not only is this project going to support the owner of the 
building and their continued effort to pay their taxes, but it's also 
going to increase the tax base through equipment and renovations."

Mayor John M. Picard estimated that the business, which will install 
at least $ 500,000 of equipment, could bring in about $ 40,000 of new 
tax dollars. West Shore would get a percentage of that worth several 
thousand dollars.

Pickering also noted it may fit in with the medical research 
occurring at Yale West and in the state's biomedical industry.

Resident Isabelle Sobala wrote in response to a Facebook question on 
the issue that she doesn't mind a grow facility opening, adding, "Why 
not? once it is all set up and running, we probably won't even think 
twice about it."

Kristen Brill Pilletere also wrote that she doesn't feel it's a 
problem, in part because business will provide its own security. Many 
responding on the social media site noted that Bayer Pharmaceuticals 
was previously in the city and produced prescription drugs.

But some said the PZC should be focusing more time on improving areas 
of the city than studying this application. Margaret Patella feels 
officials should be revitalizing Campbell Avenue with new and 
"upscale" businesses, since it's the center of town.

"This is just my opinion, and I wish that Planning and Zoning would 
focus on the bigger issues than some medical marijuana facility," she wrote.

Lori Jensen said it's not a good move and has talked to many people 
who are against the plan, adding, "We are lowering the standards of a 
family type city."

But council member Nancy Rossi says now that the state has legalized 
medical marijuana, it seems no different than any other prescription 
drug that is produced and dispensed. Security is also important to her.

"There has to be place to do it, to grow it, and I also look to the 
poor people that need it. It's going to increase tax revenue. ... I'm 
glad to see a business coming in as long as it's a law-abiding 
business, which it is," Rossi said.

Three businesses near the Frontage Road address either didn't return 
calls or said no one was available to comment on the matter. The 
Police Department also had no comment.

Picard, who spoke about the medical marijuana program last week with 
the state Department of Consumer Protection commissioner, said he's 
pleased the business will spruce up the building and bring in more 
tax revenue, but is not yet ready to predict the success of the venture.

"They're investing in the building, and that's a good thing. There 
will be more jobs in the area, and that's a good thing," Picard said. 
"From there, we'll see how it goes."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom