Opposition to proposed pot growing operatio at Green Meadows Farm

In response to a petition by Robert Patton to open a pot growing operation at Green Meadows Farm on the Hamilton-Topsfield line, residents have expressed their strong opposition to the Hamilton Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board, the Police Chief and the Fire Chief. A quick search for information makes it clear that a marijuana growing facility emits noxious odors, harms property values, invites increased crime to the area and, per a finding by the 10th Circuit Court in Colorado, constitutes racketeering under the RICO Act. Commissioners in Colorado and Washington, where marijuana has been legal for a number of years, have been inundated by complaints of the foul odors from such growing facilities, prompting moratoria on new growing facilities.

A copy of a letter from the Patton Ridge Homeowners Association in opposition to the application follows below. We invite concerned citizens to express their strong opposition to this proposal in order to preserve the health and quality of our community.

Dear Mr. Farrell and Members of the Board of Selectmen,

We are writing to express our strongest possible objection to the permit application by Robert Patton for a marijuana farm at 656 Asbury Street in Hamilton. We have enclosed some articles highlighting just a few of the negative issues surrounding pot farms and growing facilities so the Board can be made aware of the negative community impacts that would result from allowing such an enterprise.

Here are some of the many problems that can arise from a pot farm within Hamilton:

CRIME In addition to the fact that growing pot is a crime under federal law (the 10th Circuit Court of Colorado has found that growing pot, by definition, is racketeering under the RICO act since it involves producing a controlled substance for sale), a pot growing facility is “a lucrative target for harder and more violent criminals looking to rob them. These [unlicensed pot dealers] are constantly on the lookout for farms within our communities, making their living by stealing cannabis crops, which in turn, exposes the rest of us to potential violence”. (1)

STENCH AND HEALTH RISKS As is clear from the enclosed articles, the stench from a pot growing facility is horrendous, likened to that of a strong skunk smell that can cause tearing eyes, respiratory problems, and allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to the chemicals in marijuana plants. In addition to the health risks, the noxious odors from a pot growing facility represent a public nuisance. The enclosed articles cite just a few examples of public officials being inundated with complaints by area residents to the stench from nearby marijuana growing facilities. Complaints got so bad and numerous in Spokane County, Washington that the County Commission voted to ban new pot farms.

NOISE If, as proposed by Mr. Patton, the pot growing facility is an indoor facility, it will require ventilation to avoid excessive heat buildup. Such fans create noise disturbance, likened to “the sounds [of] someone..starting up their hovercraft”. (2)

DECREASED PROPERTY VALUES AND TAX REVENUES FOR THE TOWN Because of the disturbance to life for area residents caused by the stench and\or noise from a pot growing facility, nearby property values would be depressed. In several states, residents have successfully sued pot farmers for a decline in their property values.

With all of this in mind, we urge you to strongly deny the petition to establish a marijuana farm at 65 Asbury Street in Hamilton. We ask, somewhat rhetorically: Do you and the Town want to be in the position of promoting an enterprise that is illegal under federal law, greatly increases the risks of violent crime within our town, creates a public nuisance due to its noxious odors, threatens the health of area residents, and decreases property values? We think not and trust that you will make the logical decision to deny the petition. We plead with you to preserve the positive image of our town and our pastoral environment.

Sincerely,

Members of The Patton Ridge Homeowners Association

Notes: (1), (2) “How to spot if you have a cannabis farm next door”, by Conor Woodman in The Guardian.