By Jondi Gumz
The conflict between people living in rural Corralitos and would-be cannabis growers who see opportunities in the less populated areas of the county will return in 45 days, with a public hearing about permits slated for Oct. 19.
Zach Friend speaking remotely during the meeting.
That’s because county supervisors voted 4-1 on Tuesday to support a 45-day moratorium on cannabis licenses to better understand the potential problems and work out a solution.
The proposal initially supported by Second District Supervisor Zach Friend, whose district includes Corralitos, Aptos and La Selva Beach, would have prohibited cannabis licenses on commercial agriculture land within 500 feet of residentially zoned parcels.
A preliminary analysis found this would have decreased the commercial land available to cannabis growers from 1,462 to 689 parcels.
Many sites are not suitable for cannabis due to proximity to homes.
Haven Williams and other residents on Browns Valley Road worried about odor, noise from buzzing generators, and additional security.
Third District Supervisor Manu Koenig proposed the ban apply to parcels within 500 feet of “residential structures,” which got the votes of supervisors of Friend, Manu Koenig, Bruce McPherson and Greg Caput but not Ryan Coonerty, who felt the moratorium was too big of a change.
The county counsel ruled the wording of the proposed ordinance could change because it was presented as an urgency measure.
At this point it’s not known how many parcels are affected but there may be clarity before the public hearing.
Robert Kitayama of Kitayama Brothers in South County, a grower for 55 years, said he is in the process of selling 5 acres of greenhouse land, property eligible for cannabis — a deal would probably be in jeopardy if this moratorium were adopted.
The proceeds from the land sale would “go to upgrade cut flower farming,” he said, adding, “We believe legal cannabis can be done correctly.”
Darren Story, 49, CFO for Strong Agronomy, described himself to the Aptos Times as “born and raised in the area” with good relations with neighbors thanks to regular communication. His operation sells organic blueberries to Live Earth Farm in Watsonville for CSA-delivered boxes and cannabis sold via Coastal Sun Farm throughout the state.
He worried about license renewals becoming more difficult, harming an operation that has 79 employees now and has had up to 120 employees in the past.
Corralitos residents have formed a group called Coalition for Balanced Land Use, researching the names of people involved in a cannabis grow on Browns Valley Road looking for criminal activity.
Friend said he had been deluged with public comment from both sides, and that is likely to happen again leading up to to Tuesday, Oct.19, public hearing, and subsequent action.
Agendas for upcoming supervisor meetings will be posted at: http://santacruzcountyca.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx?