COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Members of the City of Coldwater Downtown Development Authority were not in total agreement on Wednesday morning as they took a formal position concerning a possible amendment to the city’s Recreational Marijuana Ordinance.
On a 4-2 vote with one abstention, the D.D.A. approved a motion from Mayor Tom Kramer which recommends the City Council allow retail recreational marijuana businesses downtown without buffers between establishments.
The Planning Commission plans to take up the matter next Tuesday evening and make their recommendation to the City Council at that time.
The Coldwater City Council passed an ordinance on August 24 that delays the acceptance of recreational marijuana retail establishment license applications in the Central and General Business Districts for 45 days until October 16. This will give city staff time to present possible solutions to the Planning Commission and the Council concerning a 1,000 foot separation distance in the two districts.
City Attorney Megan Angell raised concerns recently that in addition to the separation distances, the zoning ordinance provided that all establishments must be at least 500 feet from schools and property in any residential zone. Due to the space limitations in the C-2 Central Business District with the setbacks and the separation distance, Angell said it appears that there is only the potential for a single marijuana retail establishment in this district.
Angell feared legal action would be taken against the city if the matter is not taken care of.
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