East Marlborough Township
Planning Commission
Minutes of November 1, 2016
Cuyler Walker, chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the township building. Additional Commissioners present: Charles Streitwieser, Jane Donze, Mary Nell Ferry, and Pat Montague. There was a quorum present. Also in attendance was Laurie Prysock, Township Manager.
- Public Comment Period
Members from the Public were present and reserved comments until after the presentation by Randy Schaller on the proposed Medical Marijuana Processing Facility.
- Minutes of September 29, 2016
Motion to approve minutes of the September 29, 2016 Planning Meeting as submitted by Daniele Whittaker, Secretary. Motion approved.
- Agriculture Security Area Modifications- William Chase, 365, W. Street Road
White Clay Farms, the owners of approximately 21.35 acres in East Marlborough Township at 365 West Street Road, had filed an application in the East Marlborough Township Agricultural Security District. A motion to approve the application was unanimously approved.
- Medical Marijuana Processing Facility- Represented by Randy Shauer
Randy Shauer, Esq., along with Jim Fritch, Engineer, presented a sketch plan on behalf of the Applicant, Rick Avello for medical cannabis growing and processing at 532 N. Walnut Road Kennett Square, PA. Additional Background information as well as information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health was presented. Also in attendance was Mike Kind, who is currently seeking a final retail/dispensary application in Philadelphia County. At this time the sketch plan shows an estimated 9 acres of land that would have a two story cultivation extraction building and possibly three to four greenhouse facilities. A loading dock and parking 68 parking spaces are included in the plan. The plans call for a fence/gate for security purposes in addition to several added plantings for additional screening. According to Jim Fritch, an exploratory perk test on the land was completed and results showed that the storm water management is feasible. The applicant is looking at a 2 Phase Project with Phase 1 to be constructed in the near future and Phase 2 left for the possibility of expansion. The intention is for the facility to remain solely as a growing and processing facility, with no retail sales. Rick will be pursuing a Conditional Use Application. Once the Conditional Use Application is submitted along with a plan to the Township, Rick will appear again before Planning Commission.
The following comments were made by members of the public:
-Dan Mannix, Esq., represented Joanna Glass at the meeting. Dan raised concerns regarding safety surrounding the holding and transportation of large sums of money associated with the potential business and the uncertainty of federal and state legalities surrounding this type of business. Joanna herself, raised concerns about safety and traffic flow. Joanna also noted that she was “not against this new industry” and she appreciated the informative meeting that Rick Avello previously hosted for neighbors and interested parties.
-Dave Adamson shared his support for the potential new business. Mr. Adamson feels as though this potential new business could be great for the community as well as the economy and might enhance security on what is now a vacant property.
-James Sinclair had several safety concerns surrounding the possibility of a Medical Marijuana Processing Facility. Some of which included the possibility of gangs in Kennett with ties to drug cartels trying to break into the plant, the large amount of money that would be on hand in the facility as well as the transport of cash, and the possibility of traces of THC seeping into the water system. In particular, Mr. Sinclair stated that he would be interested in knowing if there where studies done that showed what happens to the run-off water from marijuana processing facilities and if the Township had the capability of removing THC from the water.
The applicant was able to report that there are now 300 National Banks (Specialty Banks) that will accept funds from states that have legalized medical marijuana. The applicant also shared that if they are granted permission to move forward with the business they plan to have a fence surrounding the facility, as well as 24 hour video surveillance, and security guards. All money will be transported by either Brinks or Guarda. The facility would have lighting that follows Township Ordinances and there are no plans for additional signage. The applicant recognized the public concerns and has noted that if permission is granted they will take every safety precaution necessary.
- Zoning Amendments
The Chester County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments as submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Section 609(e) and made a few comments to assist East Marlborough Township with the revision of the ordinance. The Commissioners have considered the County Planning Commissioners’ comments and recommendations and a motion to approve the amendments as drafted was unanimously approved.
Adjournment 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Daniele Whittaker, Secretary
EAST MARLBOROUGH TOWNSHIP
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA – November 1 – 7:30 P.M.
Call to Order
Public Comment Period
Minutes of September 29, 2016
Agriculture Security Area Modification – William Chase, 365 W. Street Road
Medical Marijuana Processing Facility – Represented by Randy Schaller
Zoning Amendments