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Should Red Wing partner with the Prairie Island Indian Community to sell recreational cannabis (marijuana) out of the vacant Bauer Building in the heart of the West End business district? The City Council is wrestling with that question, and they need input from residents, business owners, local law enforcement and anyone else with an opinion – sooner rather than later.
The City has owned the building since 2020. Under the proposed deal, the structure would undergo a taxpayer financed renovation. Prairie Island would then lease part of the building for a cannabis dispensary, which they would operate, and split the profits 50-50 with the City.
With minimal input from the public, the Council has already sent a letter of support to the Prairie Island Tribal Council, while cautioning that the letter doesn’t commit the City to anything. (Go figure that one out). Meanwhile, the Tribal Council still has the matter under discussion. But they’ve made it clear they plan to dive head first into the lucrative cannabis business, whether or not Red Wing comes along for the ride. To that end, Prairie Island is already growing cannabis on a site west of the City.
Before the Council decides to jump any further onto the cannabis bandwagon, they need to consider several important questions. For example:
Should the City get into the cannabis business in potential competition with private entities that may wish to open their own dispensaries in the future?
Going forward, the state could potentially issue up to 20 licenses for cannabis distribution in Red Wing – a real “Wild West” scenario. While it’s highly unlikely Red Wing would or could support that many dispensaries, the proposed partnership with Prairie Island raises the fundamental question of whether or not our local government should be in even more competition with the private sector.
Why focus only on the Bauer Building for a dispensary?
After almost five years of zero revenue, the Bauer Building clearly needs to rejoin the tax rolls. But should taxpayers go on the hook for an expensive renovation when there are other vacant spaces that might merit consideration? Would it be better for the City to more aggressively market the Bauer Building to private developers who would pay those costs?
Would a cannabis dispensary fit into the family-friendly character of the West End Business District?
A decision to move forward would have long term implications – many of which probably haven’t been property considered – for existing businesses and residents in this fast growing part of town. Folks who live, work, and do business there need to weigh in.
What about parking and traffic hassles for folks patronizing West End restaurants and other businesses?
The free parking lot in front of the Bauer Building has helped to alleviate a severe parking shortage in the neighborhood. It’s easy to imagine long lines of traffic clogging Old West Main once the dispensary gets going, with parking again becoming an issue. Does the Council have a plan to keep things moving and accommodate parking for everyone?
If it sounds like I’m skeptical, well, I am. Bottom line – the Council needs to seriously dot the I’s and cross all the T’s before moving ahead. And give local residents the time and opportunity to weigh in.
Now what do YOU think?
When “The Mayor is IN” sign is out at 327 Third Street, feel free to stop in and share your ideas and opinions.
Or email me anytime at: mike.wilson@ci.red-wing.mn.us
Remember, if it’s important to you, it’s important to me.
Don’t Forget A Conversation With Mike” on KCUE Radio
Remember to tune in to KCUE Radio 1250 at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of every month for “A Conversation With Mike.” It’s a live interview. You call in and ask, and I’ll answer. I’ll also share the topics at the City Council meetings the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.
”}]] Should Red Wing partner with the Prairie Island Indian Community to sell recreational cannabis (marijuana) out of the vacant Bauer Building in the heart of the West End business district? Read More