Constantine village tables proposed marijuana amendments
CONSTANTINE — The village of Constantine is postponing a decision on Sunday marijuana sales and allowing consumption lounges.
The village council tabled this week proposed amendments that would permit the lounges and Sunday pot sales; more than two dozen people spoke at a public hearing.
Marijuana-related business owners say expanding Sunday sales would allow them to be competitive.
Dominic Iemma, founder of Prosper Cannabis Co., said, "I like to be afforded the luxury of other businesses. We are prospering, like to bring people to town. Marijuana is getting more competitive and we need an extra day of sales — Sunday sales — just to stay competitive."
Not everyone agreed.
"I'm against selling any drugs in my town; I'm against alcohol, too, but that's a bigger battle," Kevin Blankenship said.
Mike Conklin said, "I oppose Sunday sales. I'm a spiritual person. Keep the Sabbath day holy."
Steve Monti, owner of Atlas Cannabis Co., said, "It's a very competitive market. An extra day of business keeps the numbers up. While, it's important to acknowledge residents' opinion, this is a government entity, it functions outside of religion."
Cass Root and Cole Root, owners of The Dude Abides, said there are no rules against Sunday sales, and Sunday is a top selling day at two other shops they own in addition to the Constantine dispensary, in Coldwater and Sturgis.
Council also is considering allowng consumption lounges in town.
At a Sept. 19 meeting, council received an application for such a facility at 230 N. Washington St. from Tranquility Fields Inc.
David Huges, a lawyer representing The Dude Abides, said the Tranquility Fields presentation had several inaccuracies.
"They stated a surveillance system is required by state law and all marijuana on the premises is required to be in a lockbox,” he said. “A couple of other things they said were required by the state were completely false. Plus, marijuana delivery to Tranquility is allowed, not required. Businesses would incur the added expense of a delivery fee."
Becky Shank said the proposed site at 230 N. Washington is surrounded by private homes, and next to a historic building, the Gov. John S. Barry home/museum.
Brenda Byler said, "Who decides the entertainment? What if a strip show comes in?"
In other business:
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority funded an environmental assessment, conducted by Envirologic of Kalamazoo, at a cost of $16,000 for 175 N. Washington St. They found a small amount of asbestos at the site, but no soil contamination. The site, the former D&S gas station/grocery store, is owned by the village, and a potential spot for a new fire station. Envirologic will use a $68,900 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to pull the tanks and remove a canopy and concrete to allow access to pipes. Village manager Mark Honeysett said the village's only expense at this point is to replace the sidewalk in front of the building. Fleis & VanDenbrink Engineering estimated the cost to build a fire station at $2.6 million. Honeysett said two options for funding are the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and USDA World Development. "Our next step will be emptying the building, razing it, then find funding for a new fire station," he said.
The council tabled bids for asbestos abatement and other work of $7,594 from Taplin Environmental Services and $11,800 from Martin & Associates, for the home of congressman Clare Hoffman at 270 E. Water St. The council voted to raze the home.
The council took no action on requests for marijuana dispensary licenses for Focus Group Enterprises, 190 N. Washington St., and a Green Tea Relief, 130 Broad St.
The council approved a request of $64,858 for software and programming from ERP Pro 9 Financial Management. The price for annual support is $12,824.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Constantine village tables puts off Sunday marijuana sales, lounges
