Jason Wamsley thought he found the perfect location for his new Kelso marijuana store, tucked into the Talley Way industrial area away from residential or public places.
Hes leasing the 2200 Talley Way building from Scott Hensrude, who bought the building for $450,000 on Nov. 10. But shortly after the purchase, Hensrude and Wamsley discovered the building was just outside the zoning district that allows marijuana businesses.
Now the Snohomish County businessmen are appealing to Kelso council members to extend the adult-oriented business zoning district which ends just two parcels over.
Our client spent over $450,000 to purchase this land for this specific use, and now they find out they cant use it as such without a rezone, wrote Francine Shaw, land use planner at a law office, to Kelso council members on Dec. 5. They are quite upset.
Kelso would have to send public notices to those within 300 feet of the change, and the extension would have to be approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. The planning commission will hold a public hearing for updates to the zoning map on Jan. 10.
Wamsley describes the marijuana business as the Wild West stiff competition for a limited number of state retail licenses and every man for himself. Business owners must secure a location before they know whether they can get a retail license, and only two marijuana retail licenses are permitted for Kelso.
Hensrude said his Realtor, Kane Johnson of AGM Real Estate, had asked about the propertys zoning and was told that it was properly zoned for the business.
Marijuana store owners race to get their locations established first, Wamsley said. And if we stall or hiccup, we could lose everything that we put into this.
Theres a lot of people vying to be in this business, Wamsley said. Youre constantly on pins and needles. … Its a gamble that youre going to make it.
City Planning Manager Tammy Baraconi said its been difficult for marijuana businesses to find any appropriate location in Kelso. City Manager Steve Taylor at the Dec. 6 council meeting also asked councilors if they wanted to consider expanding locations that permit marijuana businesses.
No council members at the meeting opposed the idea of extending the zoning district for Bud Hut. Councilman Rick Roberson said the building had been sitting vacant for some time and has the potential to turn into a business.
Im all for it, he said.
In an interview Baraconi said she thinks the public is feeling more comfortable with marijuana stores as time goes on, and that theres not much crime associated with them.
Thats the conversation I want us to have, Baraconi said. If the public doesnt feel that way, then we shouldnt. But were not going to know until we start having the conversation.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Kelso May Expand ‘Adult-Oriented’ Zoning District For Marijuana Store
Author: Hayat Norimine
Contact: 360-577-2500
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: The Daily News
