Parents and neighbors of Lange Elementary School in Nipomo are voicing their concerns over the proposed expansion of a nearby cannabis grow.
The grow is currently located at 662 Eucalyptus Road and would be expanded to just 1,500 feet away from the school.
Some parents say their biggest worry is the smell.
"Having to expose these kids to marijuana smell from a young age, I don't think it's the right thing," said Ty Ortiz who lives next door to the grow and is a parent to a former student at the school.
The Lucia Mar Unified School District says that although they don't have a particular stance on the issue, they hope those running the grow take the potential smell concerns into consideration.
"From what we understand, there are ways to do that - scrubbers and growing indoors, so we hope any growers that do get approved do consider the odors around school," said Jim Empey, Assistant Superintendent of Business for the district.
The project proposal, by Nipomo Ag LLC, calls for a "Vapor-Phase Odor Neutralization System" that is designed to eliminate odors.
The South County Advisory Council will be reviewing the project at its meeting this Monday, Aug. 26, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Nipomo CSD chambers, located at 148 South Wilson.
