A state-permitted craft cannabis grow facility has moved a step closer to reality in a vacant industrial building on the northwest side of Centralia.
Charles Voss Junior wants to utilize the old Ziegler or Plastiflex buildings at 823 Aaron Parkway for the indoor facility. A 325 by 240 foot and 300 by 70-foot building remain standing at the complex while a third was heavily damaged in a fire several years ago.
The Centralia Planning Commission approved two special uses in the I-one zone and then approved the adult cannabis craft grower and adult-use cannabis transporter permits specifically for Voss at the 823 Aaron Parkway address.
The creation of the two new special uses must still be approved by the Centralia City Council at its meeting on July 25th before Voss’ special use permits are valid.
Centralia Community Development Director Gayla Harting says Voss’ state licenses appear to be in order with the State Department of Agriculture for him to start development of the facility once the city council gives final approval.
Voss told the commission the entire craft grow facility is required to be inside in a fenced facility with security. He initially plans to have 25 positions tending to the cannabis plant operation. Voss noted while the state controls the amount of cannabis that can be grown, there is a possibility of gaining permission for a larger operation in the future.
There was no opposition to the proposal at Tuesday night’s Centralia Planning Commission meeting.
The planning commission also approved a special use permit for the EPOC Guys to utilize the former Family Dollar store on North Elm as a fitness or indoor activity center. EPOC already has several facilities in the region, including one in Salem.
