SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Plans to build a marijuana manufacturing facility in Kearny Mesa is causing some concern for residents, with many saying the business is going to harm the development of the area.
Those opposing the site attended Thursday morning’s Planning Commission meeting. The group, who came to the meeting wearing orange shirts to show solidarity, says they want to ensure the safety of their neighborhood and that the plant will not harm the growth of the community.
"There's already going to be, more or less, 40 marijuana production facilities in the city of San Diego … it's going happen, the important part is where," said Ping Wang with the Convoy Housing YES! Campaign.
Business leaders would like to use a large two-story building in the 4600 block of Ruffner Street for the facility. The location is over 21,000 square feet; the top level will be used for manufacturing, while the lower half will be used for distribution.
Residents in the area say with the recent marijuana extraction lab explosions around San Diego County, they are nervous about having the facility in their neighborhood. The DEA is now investigating the blasts.
"I recognize all these extraction labs were un-permitted, but the level of machinery at the site suggests that a permitted extraction lab would not be much different," said resident Becky Johnson.
Business leaders say the facility must go through a series of in-depth inspections by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and the Department of Public Health.
The building is also not placed within 1,000 or less of any schools or churches.
