A cannabis growing operation could be housed in the former cannery location in Riverbank, just outside the downtown area.

The first reading by Title Only and Introduction of a Proposed Ordinance Approving Development Agreement 03-2019 between the City of Riverbank and DT California, LLC, doing business as Aeriz was approved unanimously by the City Council at the regular meeting held last week. The location that will be developed is the old cannery site that is located on the west side of the railroad tracks, south of the overpass and north of Patterson Road.

Planning and Building Manager Donna Kenney presented the report in full detail of the development agreement and what it will entail. The planning commission held a meeting on Sept. 1 and they approved the conditional use permit and recommended the City Council to approve the agreement.

Kenney explained that the plan is for a three-phase cannabis project. The first phase will occur in existing buildings 4 and 5 on site, which will have cannabis cultivation, distribution, and manufacturing with limited retail. The second phase would include buildings 1, 2, and 3 which are closest to St. Frances of Rome Church that would only be used for cultivation.

The proposed development agreement is a 20-year term as Kenney explained due to the complexity of the project. They estimated approximately 400 jobs and a possible internship program in the agreement, as well as a potential program for training developmentally disabled persons. The public benefit payments would go towards safety, infrastructure and neighborhood renewal.

The retail would be limited to dispensaries and not available to the general public so Kenney stated there will be no major increase in street traffic or foot traffic.

There were no public comments offered during the first reading at the regular city council meeting on Sept. 22. The second reading and possible approval to move forward will be held at the next regular council meeting.

For more information regarding the details of the project, visit riverbank.org/agendacenter and download the report on Sept. 22.