Laveen residents can finally take a breath of fresher air as Maricopa County reaches a settlement with Growers Market, the composting business that's been making a stink in the area. The settlement stipulates that the company must shut down operations and remove the foul-smelling compost from its location near 31st Avenue and Dobbins Road. According to the Phoenix New Times, the agreement includes a deadline to stop grinding operations by January 20 and the removal of all mulching materials by March 1.
In a statement obtained by the Phoenix New Times, Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo called the agreement a "big win" for the community, emphasizing the county's commitment to seriously address residents' complaints and take swift action against the business. However, despite the sense of relief among Laveen residents, some remain skeptical, insisting that the real victory will only be realized if, and only if, the smell that plagued their evenings disappears completely.
Some of the angst stems from the compost piles left behind at the now-shuttered AZ Green Guys, previously referred to as Growers Market. FOX 10 reported that Maricopa County is enforcing fines on the company's owner, Neal Brooks, charging $1,000 daily until he is in compliance with the agreed settlement. Neighbors who live close to the property voiced their concerns to FOX 10 regarding the lingering compost pile and the time frame for its removal.
As articulated by resident Maria Gallegos Avalos in an interview with FOX 10, the neighborhood is plagued by a mix of "rotten vegetables, food, cow manure, everything together." In response to non-compliance allegations, the county inspected the property yesterday and affirmed that AZ Green Guys is indeed not in compliance, primarily due to the remaining pile of compost. Supervisor Gallardo emphasized that the owner must "remove all the compost on his property, get rid of any equipment that is used in order for him to continue composting."
Despite the issues, Laveen residents hope for a better business to replace the composter. County officials will enforce the settlement to ensure compliance, bringing an end to the long-standing odor problem.
