There was a special meeting for residents of Nashville and Washington County last night with a presentation from Mitch Meyers of Nature’s Care, who is looking at bringing a cannabis cultivation center to Nashville, if their application would be approved for Illinois State Police District 13. She has made similar presentations to the Washington County Board and the Nashville City Council. The Council will make a decision to endorse or not for this type of business to be allowed into the city and all members were present. There were also about 45 members of the public in attendance. Ben Elliott is a security consultant for the project, who has been around the world with the military and government. He says the security is an issue and this set up is as tight as it comes, rivaling an embassy’s security measures in another country. One woman who lives west of the industrial complex on Mockingbird Road was concerned about the type of people this center will bring in as they look for marijuana plants to get high on. Elliott said the company will look at all layers of the area. He said security is not just their fenced in complex, but also at the area around them and what might be needed to make it more secure, including involving the police. Nashville Police Chief Brian Fletcher talked about being involved in all aspects with the security of the location and Meyers said part of their community involvement will be to provide anything extra that the law enforcement would need. He added that it being out by Route 127 off of Mockingbird Road will allow for it to be under more watch. Also, much of what will be grown will not be the product that people get high off of, as it will be more medicinal in its growth. Fletcher also said there is a stigma attached to marijuana that needs to be dismissed in regards to Nature’s Care, and that may be difficult for some people to do. Another question dealt with was how Nashville will benefit from this business. Meyer said the answer isn’t specific as to exact dollar amounts or projects, but they will be paying the state and city. She said they will be paying part of their profits to the state, but not to Nashville in the same way. They will pay property taxes, but are not receiving any tax breaks or benefits from the city. Instead, they will help financially with projects or needs of the city, such as creating education programs, counseling and as stated before, with law enforcement. They will also be creating up to 35 jobs. Mayor Raymond Kolweier said Nature’s Care would get the benefits of being in an enterprise zone and that might include not paying taxes on building supplies. The Council heard the comments of the citizens in attendance and will make a decision at tomorrow night’s regular City Council Meeting at 7 o’clock. The public is always invited to attend these meetings.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 19:09:35 +0000
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