Tucked away off York Mountain Road in Templeton, is Gary Moore’s little slice of paradise.
“I have enjoyed the flora and fauna of this area for about 40 or 50 years,” Moore said.
But now things in this canyon could be changing for Moore and his neighbors, as plans and permit applications to turn part of a 77 acre property into a cannabis cultivation site have been submitted to the county.
A San Luis Obispo County Planning Development meeting to possibly approve this site has been set for Friday, but Moore says they have been left in the dark.
“Well I heard all of this just last week, and I couldn’t believe it. It was like no one had vetted this subject at all. It was like there was no concern.”
Moore says he doesn’t have a problem with cannabis in general, but he believes the site would disrupt the tranquility he moved here for.
Plans for the space off York Mountain Road include indoor and outdoor grow sites, offices and storage rooms.
“As you can see here, this is not where we want to have those kinds of things. This facility is more appropriately put into a location like Tin City where there are wine dealers and there’s people and they can sell product on the front end or do whatever they wish.”
We reached out to the county to learn why their staff is suggesting to approve this project
They tell us as with all building and land use permits, the county of San Luis Obispo Planning and Building Department provides applicants the opportunity to submit and process permit applications in accordance with state law and the ordinances and laws as established by the board of supervisors. Recommendations for approval are made when the criteria for the ordinance has been met and the proposed project is consistent with the San Luis Obispo County General Plan and satisfies county code.
Moore is hoping the planning department will decide Friday to take more time to weigh out the neighbors’ concerns.
“We’re really frightened about the whole thing because it will destroy what we have chosen to be the place we want to live.”
KSBY spoke with the people applying for this permit over the phone – they tell us they are complying with all of the county regulations, and hope they can coexist with the neighborhood.
For those who’d like to attend this meeting, it starts at 9 a.m. Friday, September 21st, in the County Government Building in SLO.
