Pubdate: Thu, 27 Oct 2016
Source: Cortez Journal, The (CO)
Copyright: 2016 The Cortez Journal
Contact:  http://www.cortezjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3602
Author: Jim Mimiaga

DOLORES CONTINUES BAN ON POT SALES

Controversial hillside subdivision plan dropped

The Dolores Town Board has continued the ban on retail marijuana shops
by a vote of 5-2.

The pot-sales prohibition ordinance, enacted in 2014, was extended two
years, until Dec. 31, 2018, to allow for more time to consider the
matter.

Before the motion to continue the ban, town trustee Robert Dobry
presented a motion that would have allowed the ban to be overturned by
resolution of the board, which is less cumbersome than passing an ordinance.

"I feel that is a compromise," he said.

But the measure failed and a motion to continue the ban passed, with
trustees Dobry and Trevor Ince voting against.

The two say they believe retail marijuana sales would improve sales
tax revenues for the town. Other board members said it could increase
demand for law enforcement and increase town administrative costs.

Dobry pointed out that Dolores District 2 voted in favor of Amendment
64 in 2012, which legalized recreational use and sales of marijuana.

Towns and counties can decide whether to establish pot shops.
Montezuma County has banned retails sales, but Cortez and Mancos have
allowed them.

Subdivision

A controversial subdivision that would have opened the door for three
small homes to be built on a hillside off Ninth Street has been
withdrawn by the landowner, reported the Dolores town attorney. On
Monday, the board was set to vote on lot-line adjustments only, but
the issue is now moot. The landowner owns two lots, and hoped to
subdivide one to create three lots to build on.

The plan subdivision plan drew crowds of town residents at recent
meetings, most of whom opposed the subdivision citing potential
geologic risks of building on the hillside.

Earlier this month, the planning commission recommended approval for
the subdivision with conditions that a geological hazards and drainage
survey be completed by an engineer, and that the findings be followed
by the developer.

Developer Michael C. Green can still build two homes on his lots if
the plan meets the town's building and land-use codes, town officials
said. Builders that meet town codes do not require a vote of the
board, unless a variance is requested.
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