In a decisive move following local dispute, South Phoenix's Laveen-based business, Growers Market, has agreed to a settlement that will see its mulching operations come to an end. The agreement, which came in lieu of prolonged court proceedings, will enforce the company to stop the bringing in of new composting material, save for essential fuel for machinery operations. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors was pivotal in reaching this conclusion, citing multiple complaints and violation of a zoning ordinance that prohibits composting operations without a special use permit in rural/residential zones, as reported by the county's official website.
As per the settlement terms, the cessation of all mulching activities will be expedited, as the operators have consented to cease grinding or screening of material as early as January 20. In a statement obtained by Maricopa County, Supervisor Steve Gallardo expressed the expedited nature of the agreement, "This business could have continued operating for months while we waited around for court hearings to be scheduled. Instead, we took complaints seriously, took action to hold this business responsible, and prioritized results." Such swift resolution aims to rapidly address the health concerns voiced by the Laveen community members whose normalcy had been disrupted.
The settlement also modifies the timeline within which the property owner must vacate and clear off the mulching material by nine days, pushing the deadline up from March 10 to March 1. To ensure compliance, regular inspections will be conducted on the property and Growers Market is expected to give weekly progress reports to the County. Failure to adhere to the conditions sets the operators at a risk of incurring a personal liability of $1,000 per day in penalties.
"Look, I support small businesses and want to see them thrive," said Gallardo, discussing the delicate balance between entrepreneurship and community well-being, "But when their operations start to affect the health and well-being of local residents, we have to get involved and put an end to it. I'm thankful for the sense of closure this settlement provides so Laveen residents can get back to their normal lives." This sentiment, shared during the Maricopa County's announcement, reflects the accountability and protective stance taken by local authorities.
Detailed inspections carried out in late 2024 catalyzed the Board’s action on December 11 to authorize the County Attorney's Office to seek an injunction enforcing the violation. These inspections revealed ongoing compost operations despite the lack of the required special use permit, prompting the enforced closure of Growers Market and the disposal of accumulated composting waste.
