NILES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WNDU) – Niles Township could begin accepting cannabis dispensary license applications as soon as May 2.
The township board last night gave final approval to its marijuana ordinance. The ordinance passed easily by a vote of 5 to 1.
It allows an unlimited number of retail stores and imposes a $5,000 application fee.
The commercial strip on the south end of Niles Township has long been known for its recreational opportunities, from mini golf to paintball, from bowling to roller skating.
In the future, it could become best known for recreational pot sales.
As one resident told the board, “Remember, if you live in our township, your grandchildren, your great grandchildren, are going to deal with this for the rest of their lives.”
Some stood up to complain about the situation while one attorney threatened to file a complaint. James Lockwood alleges that one town board member who recused himself from taking part in deliberations or voting, nonetheless, had a conflict of interest due to his career in real estate.
“I feel that we’re doing the best to protect the people. We have to do it. It was voted by the people. The thing the board had to decide, if we wanted it unlimited or not, and at the advice of our attorneys, they recommended that we go unlimited,” Township Supervisor Marge Durem-Hiatt told WNDU 16 News Now.
Since the ordinance allows for an unlimited number of dispensaries, it is unknown how many will be placed at this time.
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The commercial strip on the south end has long been known for its recreational opportunities. Now, it could become best known for recreational pot sales. Read More
