Officials also want to find out if it may attract birds or other wildlife, which could cause any number of issues for planes and airport staff.
The town’s economic development officer Damon Clarke said the inquiry is strictly for safety and should not be construed as keeping the business from opening.
“This is part of the process because it’s near an airport, if it were in a different part of town it might not be a factor,” said Clarke in The Western Star. “We’ve talked to the proponent and suggested they provide some answers, but I’m optimistic (it will go forward).”
For his part, greenhouse owner Clyde Simmons said he has complied with the airport’s governing body and will wait to hear from them, he hopes, in the next few weeks. He called the concerns “Legitimate.”
“The worse-case scenario here is that I’ll have to find a different location, but I like this location,” said Simmons. “I’ve addressed some of their concerns and I’m waiting to hear what they say about it.”
The land he hopes to use is about 100 acres between the airport turnoff from the highway and Junction Brook. Simmons’ plans are to grow vegetables that are traditionally shipped in to supply local grocery stores using traditional farming methods as well as some hydroponic. It could employ over 40 people upon completion.
Simmons said he still hopes to get the project up and running in the new year.
Source: The Western Star