Zoning set for medical marijuana businesses

Ross commissioners, acknowledging that in all likelihood a medical marijuana facility will end up in the township, took action Monday to limit where such businesses could be located.

Commissioners approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance, allowing medical marijuana growing operations and dispensaries only as conditional uses in the C1 commercial district.

“We are not asking for medical marijuana … to come into the township,” said Commissioner Steve Korbel, noting that state law requires municipalities to allow the businesses in the commercial zone. “We are limiting it to C1. We think that those types of uses better fit with the McKnight Road and Perry Highway corridor, and not the small commercial districts that are peppered within our neighborhoods.”

The ordinance also bans medical marijuana facilities within 100 feet of any school, day care center, public park or place of worship.

“Whether we want it or not, there is a high probability that there will end up being a dispensary in the McKnight Road corridor,” commissioners president Jeremy Shaffer said.

The ordinance passed 7-2, with Lana Mazur and Patrick Mullin voting no.

The commissioners voted to contribute $3,456 to Northland Public Library to help fix a defective storm sewer that caused a sinkhole in the parking lot. Library officials asked each of the five member municipalities to help pay for the work.

Mr. Shaffer said commissioners are considering allowing dogs on the trails in the new park on Cemetery Lane. A contest to name that park is ongoing. Details are on the township website.

The next commissioners meeting will be May 17 due to the primary election.