Pubdate: Tue, 23 Aug 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

SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP PLANNERS: MEDICAL MARIJUANA A HOME-BASED BUSINESS

Saugatuck Township - Saugatuck Township planners are recommending 
medical marijuana be allowed to be distributed from homes, not from 
traditional storefronts in commercial areas, despite pleas from 
residents to wait until the issue is resolved in the state courts.

The proposal, which must still be voted on by the township board 
before it goes into effect, leaves two dispensaries already operating 
in a commercial area on Blue Star Highway to an uncertain future.

The township will not immediately close down the dispensaries if the 
township board approves the proposed ordinance, township attorney Ron 
Bultje told the planning commission Monday, Aug. 22.

"It is not the desire of the township board to enter this fray until 
the picture is cleared," he said, referring to a pending state court decision.

The township board meets at 6 p.m. Sept. 7, at the township hall, 
3461 Blue Star Highway.

On June 1, the township put a three-month moratorium on new medical 
marijuana facilities and asked the planning commission to draw up an 
ordinance covering the use.

The proposed zoning rules limit one registered caregiver to a home 
that must be more than 1,000 feet away from a school, library, family 
day care home or group day care home. It also allows a caregiver to 
operate in an attached garage or detached accessory building.

"It's premature to regulate this industry as a home-based use," said 
John Targowski of Saugatuck. The two sites on Blue Star Highway have 
not drawn any criminals or "adverse activity," he said.

Neighbors of a home-based medical marijuana site might not want the 
activity near them, Targowski said, a feeling shared by one planning 
commissioner.

"Having marijuana out of a home -- I don't want it in my 
neighborhood," said commission Chairman Larry Edris.

The two dispensaries have been operating during the moratorium 
despite a statement by the township attorney that no facilities in 
the township are permitted to dispense medical marijuana.

The dispensaries are Good Intentions Paving Co., 3219 Blue Star 
Highway, owned by Tammy Jacobi, and The Great Turtle Emporium, 3383 
Blue Star Highway, owned by Larry Darling.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart