Columbia Township is considering an ordinance that would allow cannabis growers, processors, retailers and microbusinesses to operate in the township. Those activities are currently prohibited in Columbia Township. The proposed ordinance would create a legal framework for them and regulate them. Individual use of cannabis is legal throughout the state, and is not affected.
The Columbia Township Board is holding a special meeting to hear from the public at 7 pm today (Wed 2/28) regarding the proposed ordinance. The Columbia Township Planning Commission has researched and studied the issue and forwarded their recommendations to the Township Board. That is what will be under discussion this evening.
The Township authored a letter made available to some residents on the topic. In part, it says: “When it comes to Cannabis regulations, many property owners (that responded [to a letter mailed in 2023]) expressed significant concerns, objections and hesitation about the possibilities of amending ordinances to permit Cannabis retail operations, or processing/grow facilities. Please remember that our current Ordinance absolutely prohibits it. … Therefore, we will be holding an open meeting on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 7 pm at the Columbia Charter Township hall.” Click here to read the entire letter.
Cannabis was discussed previously at a public hearing on December 5, 2022. This website reported on that meeting and produced a video of comments made.
Most proponents pointed to what they believed to be medical benefits. Left largely unspoken were recreational or other uses. The video begins with a comment from Supervisor Barry Marsh. In order, here are those who addressed the board: Madalyn and Curtis Townsley, Collin Flynn and Jason Schel, Colleen Charles, Mary Jo Cox, Casey Ponagai, Stephanie Fields, Jay Ponagai, Eddie Barski, Andy Slaby.
Not included in the video is a comment from the Township’s legal advisor, Eric White. He said revenue opportunities were limited in two ways. Property owners involved in the activity might see an increase in the value of their land. Only retail sales would contribute to tax revenue.
Four of the seven Township trustees attended the meeting. After hearing the speakers, Barry Marsh asked each of the present trustees to react to what they heard.
As Barry Marsh points out, there was almost no comment from citizens who might be opposed.
How does a possible ballot initiative figure into this? If the board takes no action, a ballot initiative might. Depending on the ballot language, the result could expand cannabis operations more than some residents may like. Some believe that if the Township designates locations and scope of cannabis activity, the regulations could avoid ensuing backlash from residents.
I am against any further development of the sale, manufacturing, or anything else associated with Canabis. Everybody thinks the increased tax revenue (which is minimal) is great. They forget about the cost associated with the usage, the smell and all other negatives associated with it. There are more than adequate stores within a short distance to accommodate those that view it as the drug of choice. Thank you, Jerry
What are the costs of these activities to the homeowners in this township? Who decides who gets these contracts? Do they get tax incentives for locating their businesses here? Who decides where these endeavors are going to be located and will these sites degrade the beauty of our community? Will the smoking of pot now be allowed in public places? How much of the revenues generated will have to go into increased police services? Should we keep the county surveillance cameras to help in policing the community once these endeavors are in our community? Haven’t we already been asked and haven’t we already answered this question? What are the reasons these commissioners feel we need this specific initiative and why aren’t they investigating other ways to grow businesses in our community. Has sufficient research been done on other communities where these initiatives have been allowed? Historically in other locations how are the property values affected? Why was this not put on the ballot in the recent election so voters in this community could respond to this question? For those of us who were not able to attend this meeting will a video or full report on the meeting and the these commissioners report be posted on the township website? I think we are a long way off from making a determination in this regard. We all need more in-depth informa-tion.