Imperial County overturns decision to permit marijuana facility in Seeley

Earlier this year, Imperial County granted permits to begin developing a medical marijuana manufacturing facility in Seeley, Calif.

According to Angel Fernandez, the representative of Movocan , the developer behind the marijuana facility, over $1 million in tax revenue would have gone into the county’s economy.

Residents in Seeley, however, appealed the decision leading the county to overturn their decision.

Jason Grima, a concerned Seeley resident, said, “We have to protect our kids and our community and so we felt that by bringing it up to the board at an appeal process. [It] really helped us out.”

Residents cited safety concerns and the negative influence the facility would have on the community.

Grima added, “Right adjacent to where they’re going to put this facility, there’s a large low-income apartment. A lot of kids go to our school down the street. We have churches located there as well and we’re a small tight-knit community.”

Raymond Castillo, Chairman of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, said it’s uncommon for the board to change their mind.

“Very rare. Very Rare. In most cases, we just don’t. But when you have strong public opposition like this it really makes a difference,” said Castillo.

The county will be looking for other potential locations for Movocan and Fernandez the marijuana facility.

Castillo said, “See if we can find an alternative site and also discuss the option of giving him credit for some of the fees that he had paid.”

Movocan chose not to comment on the matter.