Troy – Members of Troy Planning Commission, a couple who in August questioned a proposed citywide ban on retail dispensaries, cultivators and processors of medical marijuana, will be asked Wednesday to consider a less restrictive proposal.
The new recommendation from city staff would allow up to five marijuana retail dispensaries in town but not in the central business district or historic district. The proposal still would place a city-wide ban on cultivating and processing medical marijuana.
We see downtown as a distinct, historic area with quaint, niche shops and services. We didnt feel that dispensaries fit that image, Service-Safety Director Patrick Titterington said Monday.
The city staff report accompanying the revised proposal states the recommendation was changed after digesting the discussion that took place at the previous planning commission meeting.
Mayor Mike Beamish and Titterington confirmed the reason for the change Monday. The proposal was made following discussions with staff members, legal counsel and the police chief, Titterington said.
During that August meeting, planning commission members Larry Wolke and Jim McGarry questioned the total ban. Wolke said he was a supporter of medical marijuana while McGarry said he, while not necessarily a proponent of marijuana use, was curious about the proposed total ban.
Titterington said the staff didnt think the ban would be anti-business and noted the city council had given no assurances of supporting a ban.
Both Beamish and Titterington also are commission members.
The planning commission is scheduled to meet at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Troy City Hall.
The proposal was tabled in August because two commission members were absent and member comments indicated it appeared the proposal would not receive support at that meeting. The planning commission would make a recommendation on the proposal to City Council.
Limited dispensaries allow responsible dispensing as well as appropriate control, Beamish said. Trying to secure and protect cultivating operations, we feel, would be very onerous to our busy staff.
If a processing plant expressed interest, it would be more appropriate for the council to consider as a planned development and on a case by case basis, Titterington said.
Gov. John Kasich in June signed a bill making cannabis legal for medical use. The law went into effect last week.
Troy council this summer was among numerous area communities putting a moratorium on any local regulations to allow more time to explore options.
The new staff recommended Troy proposal includes:
- A ban on cultivators and processors
- A maximum of five medical marijuana retail dispensaries across the city with the following requirements: Locations permitted in B-1, local retail; B-2, general business; or B-4, highway service business district. Location not permitted in B-3 (central business district) or within the historic district downtown.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Troy Considering Revisions To Proposed Marijuana Ban
Author: Nancy Bowman
Contact: My Dayton Daily News
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