Pubdate: Wed, 01 Jun 2011
Source: Holland Sentinel (MI)
Copyright: 2011 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact: http://extra.hollandsentinel.com/submitletter.shtml
Website: http://www.hollandsentinel.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1145
Author: Jim Hayden, The Holland Sentinel

SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP ALLOWS 2 MEDICAL MARIJUANA SITES TO STAY OPEN

Board OKs 3-Month Moratorium on Any New Facilities

Saugatuck Township, MI - Saugatuck Township put an immediate
three-month moratorium on new medical marijuana facilities, but is
allowing the two already in the township to continue to operate.

"We understand this is a legal use," said Trustee Jim Hanson at
tonight's board meeting.

"The question is where it should happen in our township," said Trustee
Chris Roerig.

The township proposed the moratorium in response to the opening last
week of The Great Turtle Emporium, 3383 Blue Star Highway. The site,
owned by Larry Darling, is listed as a dispensary on the website
www.potlocator.com.

The business handles antiques and music as well as medical
marijuana.

A second facility owned by Tammy Jacobi, a Registered Nurse, opened
this morning at 3129 Blue Star Highway at Good Intentions Paving Co.

Both will be allowed to operate while the planning commission draws up
zoning rules for medical marijuana facilities.

Jacobi was pleased with the decision.

"They're going to take some time and make some good decisions," she
said.

The township hall was filled with more than 30 people, many having to
stand outside while the board discussed the topic.

The Rev. Ralph Houston of Immanuel Reformed Church in Fennville
supported the moratorium because of questions surrounding the state
law and marijuana's impact on users.

"This is a test case for local government to stand up and say
'no,'" he said.

Laura Bossardet of Holland said medical marijuana has helped her
handle pain and allows her to walk again.

"This would be a wonderful service to any community," she
said.

The city of Holland is considering an ordinance regulating medical
marijuana caregivers. Holland Township adopted an ordinance that does
not allow dispensaries. The city of Douglas planning commission is
working on rules for caregivers and dispensaries. The city of
Saugatuck and Laketown Township have not addressed the medical
marijuana issue.

Both Fillmore and Heath townships have a moratorium on medical
marijuana facilities. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.