Brock said the inquiries Monroe received came from two representatives interested in building a small growing facility of up to 25,000 square-feet, and from a larger grower looking at a facility of up to 100,000 square-feet.
“We would consider it, but we’d need to get more information about the growing operation,” he said. “Once they figure out what kind of facility will be built, then we can figure out where they can locate. Everything we’ve been hearing has been for internal growing.”
Brock said on the license application forms, the state asks if a community has a moratorium or a zoning approval. However, Monroe does not approve zoning until a site plan has been submitted.
“There’s a limited number of licenses and they need the information to apply,” he said. “They’re scrambling to get their ducks in a row.”
Brock said the city’s zoning regulations permit uses for pharmaceutical, research and laboratory facilities in the industrial districts and growing in the agricultural and commercial districts. He said the three representatives sent the city a form to certify that the zoning would allow such a facility.
“We’ll study the state rules, how it affect the city, where it would go, and how it would affect our residents,” he said.
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