VERNON CENTER, N.Y. — Cory Finster and some of his neighbors have lived in Vernon Center for over a decade.
It’s a country setting and generally quiet, but one day they woke up to see eight-foot fencing going up next to their property.
Finster went to the Vernon Town Board to get answers.
“The board had no clue, except for one person that I talked to. The rest of them had no idea what was going on,” Finster.
When asked if this was a done deal, Finster answered, “Yeah.”
The 50-acre plot of land is owned by Vernon Downs, but I could find no record of who is planning to build the Cannabis Farm. The State of New York oversees licensing and operation regulations, leaving local municipalities with no say in the matter. Residents have concerns, and Finster said his view is one of them.
“We have a beautiful view here and there’s going to be a big, huge fence and then the smell. We’re not going to be able to go outside and sit on our back deck and enjoy the weather…and that’s all you’re going to smell,” he said.
The codes department said the maximum height for a residential fence is six-feet high, but because this is being used for agricultural use, that code is exempt.
One of the cannabis farm project managers informed Finster that they’re targeting June 15 to start growing the crop.
The fencing is going up fast, and soon the view will be obstructed.
Finster and his neighbors say this isn’t right.
“I know their hands are tied because it’s state funded and state run, but they could voice their opinions to the state. They could stand up for the community. They all live in this community. What if it was in their backyard? Do you think they would just sit quiet and let it happen? Probably not,” he said.
The codes department said the farm is proposing a water tower, greenhouse, and building for drying the plants.
Aside from the smell, Finster and his neighbors have concerns over the water.
“All our wells are in line down through here, so it’s on one vein. So, if they hit our vein, what’s that…they’re going to be irrigating…a marijuana plant needs 50 gallons of water every 2 days. So, if there’s no rain during the summer…how much water are they going to be pumping out of the ground and is my well going to go dry,” he said.
The neighbors have started a petition and are encouraging residents to voice their concerns at a Town Board Meeting on Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Vernon Town Hall, 4305 Peterboro Rd.
Cory Finster and some of his neighbors have lived in Vernon Center for over a decade.
