|
Maricopa County is taking legal action against a mulching operation in Laveen following new inspections that suggest they are not abiding by a judgement to cease and desist operations. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved litigation against Growers Market during its December 11 formal meeting and the lawsuit was officially filed on December 18. For months, neighbors have complained about unpleasant odors coming from the site, and last month the business was found to be operating without a proper special use permit and ordered to shut down or apply for the proper use entitlement.
“I coach a baseball team on a field two miles from this business and the odor is overwhelming,” said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5. “The County received hundreds of complaints and inspected the property many times. It is time for the business to wrap up and move to a more appropriate area.”
In September, the County notified the property owner of the zoning violation and a hearing date was set. In November, the hearing officer found the property owner responsible for operating without a proper entitlement and ordered the business to cease and desist immediately, with daily fines of $75. As part of the judgment, Growers Market is to vacate the property by March 10, 2025.
However, after the November 5 hearing, the County received information from residents that operations at Growers Market were continuing and new materials were being brought onto the property.
“Businesses are welcome near residential areas, but their economic endeavors shouldn’t jeopardize the quality of life of their neighbors,” added Gallardo.
Additional inspections led to the Board’s action on December 11, which authorized the County Attorney’s Office to seek an injunction to enforce the zoning ordinance violation. The business does not have a special use permit to run this type of operation in a rural/residential zone.
|
