Pubdate: Wed, 09 Feb 2011
Source: Argus-Press, The (Owosso, MI)
Copyright: 2011 The Argus-Press
Contact: http://www.argus-press.com/submissions/?mode=letters
Website: http://www.argus-press.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4861
Author: Christina Guenthner, Argus-Press Staff Writer

COUNTY BOARD SET TO EXAMINE POT MORATORIUM

CORUNNA - The Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners Thursday will 
consider passing a six-month extension to its moratorium on medical 
marijuana dispensaries.

The moratorium, originally passed by the board in August 2010, was to 
last six months and affect property under the county's zoning 
jurisdiction. Cities within the county, as well as the townships of 
Owosso and Caledonia, handle their own zoning regulations.

Community Development Director Peter Preston said the county planning 
commission is in the process of developing new zoning regulations to 
keep up with state law. The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act was 
approved by voters in 2008.

The commission asked for the six-month moratorium last year in case 
any businesses approached the county before the new zoning ordinances 
were laid out. The regulations are still being hammered out.

The extension, if approved during Thursday's board of commissioners 
meeting, would give zoning officials until this August.

"Our intention is to get this wrapped up," County Administrator 
Margaret McAvoy said.

Currently in the Shiawassee County area, moratoriums also exist in 
Ovid, Caledonia Township and the city of Durand. Council members in 
Ovid recently discussed changing the village's rules to require 
blacked-out windows, surveillance cameras and security guards for 
caregiver facilities.

Owosso City Council members Monday voted against a moratorium for the 
second time by a 5-2 vote. Owosso Township officials are still 
mulling their options.  
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake