Scottville Commission expected to decide on marijuana dispensaries at next meeting.

Scottville Commission expected to decide on marijuana dispensaries at next meeting.

#ScottvilleNews.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

SCOTTVILLE — The Scottville City Commission is expected to make a decision on medical marijuana dispensaries during its next regular meeting, on Monday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. During tonight’s meeting, Mayor Bruce Krieger presented a motion to prohibit dispensaries in the town. Krieger withdrew his motion after commissioners Ann Genson and Leon Begue questioned why the motion was not placed on the agenda.

The Commission heard comments from members of the public about medical marijuana dispensaries during its regular meeting Monday. Building owner Mitch Bogner, who owns the former 4-Star Theater building at 111 S. Main St., said that he would like to place a dispensary in his building. Bogner, who resides in Logan Township, said that Logan Township has given approval for a growing facility in the township and he is just waiting for zoning permits.

Bogner said the village of Baldwin has approved medical marijuana dispensaries and he is considering placing a dispensary there. However, that would require him to build a building. He said utilizing a building he already owns in Scottville would make more sense.

Mike Shaw of Ludington, who owns a rental house in Scottville, said he was against allowing a dispensary in Scottville. Shaw said the town should concentrate on alternatives to attracting new business and that dispensaries will increase crime, blight, and illicit drug use in Scottville.

“If we are going to move forward on this it needs to be effective, it needs to be a very good ordinance,” said First Ward Commissioner Leon Begue, who offered to start working on an ordinance. “The reality is, this has a potential economic value for our community.”

“I’m not sure I necessarily agree with you,” said Mayor Bruce Krieger. “I’ve had 49 people, citizens, talk to me and of that only two people have been in favor of it.”

“I think it would be foolish to put blinders on and assume that it isn’t hear,” said Second Ward Commissioner Ann Genson. “We really need to reframe how we are seeing this. Like it or not the legalization of medical marijuana is on the horizon. Part of our jobs as a city commission is not just to take of today’s business, it’s to take care of 40 years from now.”

“I have talked to many people and I have not had any pros among citizens who have talked to me,” said Second Ward Commissioner Marci Spencer.

The topic of a conflict with the Drug Free School Zone law was discussed. The law allows for additional penalties of the sale of illegal drugs within 1,000 feet of a public school

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