Planning & Zoning Approves Medical Marijuana Growing Facility

     The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a medical marijuana cultivation facility during its March 11th meeting. The proposed site will encompass 6 acres zoned District M-1 (Light Industrial) located at the east end of South Outer Belt Road on the south side of Interstate 70 in Grain Valley.
     Missouri Made Marijuana, LLC,  plans to build a medical marijuana cultivation facility which will include three separate buildings when completed. Phase 1 will include a 28,000 square foot facility capable of producing 600 pounds of medical marijuana per month. Phase 2 includes the construction of two additional buildings and additional parking.
     Applicant Randy Black was in attendance to answer Commission members’ questions, and indicated that demand from dispensaries would dictate how quickly the buildings planned in phase two would be needed. Commissioners had a number of questions for Black, his attorney, and engineer, including concerns about security and water usage.
     Steven Lucas, attorney for Missouri Made Marijuana, LLC,  addressed concerns regarding the security of the facility. An 8 foot fence will surround the facility, which will bear discreet signage and be protected by cement ballasts. The facility will feature a network of 4-way video monitoring, door contacts, motion sensors to detect intrusion, and unauthorized access is prevented with biometric scanners and card readers to record entries and limit access to authorized persons.
    “I can assure you that this facility is going to be one of the most secure facilities ever approved by the City,” Lucas said.
    Black detailed his background for the Commission, stating he has been in the cultivation business over 6 years, following a career in real estate development and the casino industry. Black owns similar facilities in Nevada.
     The fully hydroponic facility will be staffed by approximately 15 employees per shift. The facility will run three shifts daily.
     “It’s really important for us as applicants to find a place where we fit, where we can be good neighbors, and also where we can be granted a license,” Black said.
     Dan Nelson, a Grain Valley resident and a pending dispensary owner in the Blue Springs area, stepped forward to voice his support for the facility. The proposal will move to the Board of Aldermen for approval, and the owner’s attorney indicated construction at the site would move quickly following approval.
     In other business, AvidAir International, a business that overhauls and repairs compressor case assemblies in aircraft helicopters, received approval for a request of zoning change from District C-2 (General Business) to District M-1 (Light Industrial) on a 3 acre tract of land located north of RD Mize Road near the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall.

Rendering provided in the application illustrates the layout of the proposed cultivation facility. Image credit: City of Grain Valley