Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Belle Vernon — Rostraver Township has given its approval to a Bethel Park woman's plans to open a medical marijuana growing and processing plant in the Mon Valley municipality.
The township's zoning hearing board Wednesday granted an exemption to the local ordinance giving Corinne Ogrodnik permission to conduct light industry in an area zoned for commercial purposes under the business name of Maitri Medicinals.
"I'm very happy," said Ogrodnik, who still needs to apply for and receive a state permit for the operation planned for a storage facility at 316 Finley Road. The state expects to open the application process Feb. 20 and grant 12 such permits across Pennsylvania.
Ogrodnik applied for the township exemption in December, stating the 732-acre site would be surrounded by a security fence and video surveillance cameras in an industry that will be heavily regulated by the state.
She testified Wednesday having the township's support for the project is a "key part of our application" to the state. She also said she plans to apply for permits to open dispensaries for her products, which will not be sold at pharmacies.
"We feel this is going to be a big benefit to the community," Ogrodnik testified. "It's a great property for our needs."
She said the company plans to grow between 3,000 and 5,000 marijuana plants and use machinery to turn them into oils for pills, rubs and other products to treat people suffering from cancer, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, autism and other qualifying conditions.
The plant, if state approved, will be operating in early 2018 with about two dozen employees, Ogrodnik said.
The hearing drew testimony from just one township resident, Jeff Fitch, who said he supported the company and the jobs it would create.
"I'm in favor of it," Fitch said. "There's a revolution going on in this country."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Rostraver Township Approves Medical Marijuana Growing Operation
Author: Scott Beveridge
Contact: 724.222.2200
Photo Credit: Scott Beveridge
Website: Observer-Reporter
The township's zoning hearing board Wednesday granted an exemption to the local ordinance giving Corinne Ogrodnik permission to conduct light industry in an area zoned for commercial purposes under the business name of Maitri Medicinals.
"I'm very happy," said Ogrodnik, who still needs to apply for and receive a state permit for the operation planned for a storage facility at 316 Finley Road. The state expects to open the application process Feb. 20 and grant 12 such permits across Pennsylvania.
Ogrodnik applied for the township exemption in December, stating the 732-acre site would be surrounded by a security fence and video surveillance cameras in an industry that will be heavily regulated by the state.
She testified Wednesday having the township's support for the project is a "key part of our application" to the state. She also said she plans to apply for permits to open dispensaries for her products, which will not be sold at pharmacies.
"We feel this is going to be a big benefit to the community," Ogrodnik testified. "It's a great property for our needs."
She said the company plans to grow between 3,000 and 5,000 marijuana plants and use machinery to turn them into oils for pills, rubs and other products to treat people suffering from cancer, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, autism and other qualifying conditions.
The plant, if state approved, will be operating in early 2018 with about two dozen employees, Ogrodnik said.
The hearing drew testimony from just one township resident, Jeff Fitch, who said he supported the company and the jobs it would create.
"I'm in favor of it," Fitch said. "There's a revolution going on in this country."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Rostraver Township Approves Medical Marijuana Growing Operation
Author: Scott Beveridge
Contact: 724.222.2200
Photo Credit: Scott Beveridge
Website: Observer-Reporter
