Trending
SOUTH AVIS -- Plans for creating a medical marijuana facility in South Avis were placed on the fast track Wednesday in Pine Creek Township.
After hearing more details about the proposal from legal representatives and others outlining security steps for Terrapin Care Station, the township supervisors offered positive comments and added some additional supportive language to bolster their letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
It's also likely that the project will be subject to a public hearing before the township zoning hearing board in about two weeks.,
Supervisors Dennis Greenaway, James E. Moore and Thomas G. Wilt appeared to support the plans, but bowed to the opinion of Solicitor Robert D. O'Connor, who said the zoning regulations required an additional step.
O'Connor said his examination of activities in industrial zones appears to suggest that the "distribution" provisions require a special exception. That means the township zoning board will convene, listen to public comments and determine if any reasonable restrictions are required for the project.
It appeared to be a minor setback for the project, as the Pennsylvania Department of Health just recently released applications for potential medical marijuana growers and dispensaries, and interested parties can download the applications from the DOH website and apply by March 20.
Growers will be required to submit a nonrefundable $10,000 application fee; a $200,000 permit fee, which is refundable if the permit is not granted; and proof of $2 million in capital.
Terrapin Care Station is already leasing 40,000 square feet in the newest section of the former Avis Homes building, and appears ready to apply for a license from the state to produce medical marijuana.
Representatives thanked the supervisors, the community, State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Lock Haven, and local Clinton County Economic Partnership officials for supporting the project.
Michael Bronstein of Bronstein & Weaver Inc., in Bryn Mawr said when this state adopted its medical marijuana law, the treatment option was already legal in half the nation. Pennsylvania researched the subject thoroughly and was able to avoid pitfalls other states have encountered, he said.
Medical marijuana became legal in the commonwealth last April.
Compliance with state regulations will be intensive, Bronstein said, and security is also a focus, with Terrapin using a "seed to sale" tracking system.
The proposed South Avis facility would employ between 30 and 50 people at an average salary of $40,000. Some people will make six figures, he said, and some will make less than $40,000. Both skilled and unskilled labor will be needed, and all will have benefits including a 401(k) plan, health insurance and paid vacation.
The facility won't be open for two years or so, at the earliest, because Terrapin must wait for a license. But the company is poised to move fast should the license come through. Only 25 licenses will be issued to grower/processors and 50 to dispensaries.
Terrapin began leasing a portion of the plant about a month ago from Lee Roberts and Jay Alexander, doing business as Henry Street Properties.
After the March 20 deadline for submitting applications, officials say it will take up to 90 days to review them.
Licenses should be awarded by the end of 2017, if all goes well. Terrapin could then refurbish the South Avis space, install a climate control system and add to the electrical capacity.
The plant could open by the end of 2018.
Greenaway noted that there are a large number of disorders, conditions and diseases that medical cannabis can be used to treat. The list includes post traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and other serious conditions.