Pubdate: Sun, 06 Jun 2010
Source: Aurora Sentinel (CO)
Copyright: 2010 Aurora Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.aurorasentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1672
Author: Sara Castellanos
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/topic/Dispensaries
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

COUNCIL TO MULL BALLOT BID TO BAN POT SHOPS

AURORA | A ballot initiative asking voters whether they  want to 
prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries in the  city is nearing 
approval, as Aurora City Council  members are scheduled to discuss 
the issue Monday.

The ballot question, along with a proposal to extend  the city's 
current moratorium on medical marijuana  dispensaries until July 1, 
2011, are among the topics  set for discussion at city council's 
study session  beginning around 5:40 p.m. June 7.

Both proposals need to be formally approved by council  members at a 
regular session, which could happen as  early as June 14.

The Colorado Legislature recently passed legislation  that allows 
cities to either ban dispensaries at city  council discretion, or ask 
voters whether they want to  ban dispensaries within their city limits.

The new statewide law allows for ballot language that  can only ask 
voters whether they want to prohibit the  operation of medical 
marijuana centers, grow  operations, and manufacturers' licenses for 
medical  marijuana-infused products. The city won't include  language 
about location of dispensaries and other  restrictions, said the 
city's attorney, Charlie  Richardson.

About 65 percent of people polled throughout the state  said they 
approve of dispensaries, said Mason Tvert,  executive director of the 
Safer Alternative for  Enjoyable Recreation.

Also at the study session, Councilman Bob FitzGerald  will present 
his idea to lower or completely eliminate  property taxes for new 
manufacturing facilities in the  city.

The proposal would create incentives to attract new  business and 
encourage the expansion and redevelopment  of existing businesses, 
according to city documents.

A new or expanded manufacturing facility, in its first  year of 
operation, could be eligible for a credit of up  to 100 percent of 
the property tax levied by the city.  In the second year, the tax 
credit will drop to 90  percent and in the third and fourth year, the 
credit will drop to 80 percent, according to the documents.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom