Hunter Planning Board Deliberates on Cannabis Facility

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — In a meticulously orchestrated session at the Town of Hunter planning board meeting, Elka Park resident Alexander Zivian unveiled updates to the site plan map for his brainchild, the Catskill Mountain Cannabis LLC. Nestled at the intersection of Platte Clove Road and Farrell Road, this proposed cannabis growing and distribution center is poised to revolutionize the local industry.

Zivian, accompanied by Gavin Vuillaume, who represented the Environmental Design Partnership engineering firm, took the helm of the presentation. Their collaborative efforts highlighted the evolving blueprint for the facility that promises to redefine standards in sustainable cannabis cultivation. A notable feature is the commitment to eschew tractor-trailers and limit the workforce to a modest five employees.

The unveiled updates encompassed revisions to the parking plan and an intricately detailed erosion control strategy. Zivian, currently a resident on the proposed site, articulated plans for the 10,800-square-foot prefabricated building. The proposed structure will stand at a modest 10 feet tall.

"I plan on using a living soil organic system of growing," Zivain affirmed. "The plants will be grown in beds using completely organic nutrients." He assured attendees that the facility would not employ pesticides or fertilizers, adhering to the highest organic standards.

Each unique growing cycle is projected to span eight to nine weeks, with several cycles yearly. Zivian projected a minimum of five years before soil amendments would be necessary, underscoring the commitment to sustainability. Waste, including soil, stems, and seeds, is earmarked for dispatch to a state-certified composting facility.

Supervisor Sean Mahoney interjected during the session, probing Zivian's stance on rainwater harvesting. Zivian was under the impression that such practices might not be legal in the Catskill Watershed. This was met with disagreement from Mahoney, citing local precedents such as rainwater harvesting currently used by Former Market Gardens.

The meeting's climax was the announcement by Planning Board Chair Marc Czermerys of a forthcoming public hearing in early March. Anticipating robust community engagement, Czermerys encouraged attendees to reserve detailed inquiries for the impending hearing.

Topics during the meeting ranged from lighting plans and noise concerns related to compressors and generators to the potential necessity of fencing for the indoor growing facility. Czermerys, with an eye on transparency and community involvement, assured attendees that the public hearing on March 5 at 6:30 pm would be the ideal forum for comprehensive discussions.

For those unable to attend the hearing in person at the Town Hall, Czermerys extended an invitation for remote participation. Interested parties can contact him at (518) 589-6151, ext 304 by 2 pm on March 5 to receive a Zoom link.