Planning commission recommends denial of La Crescent-area cannabis retail microbusiness; cites traffic and colocational concerns

The Houston County Planning Commission on Aug. 14 reviewed an interim use permit application from Canaleed Minnesota LLC (doing business as a retail cannabis microbusiness) for a property on U.S. Highway 14/61 in La Crescent Township. Aaron Bouchard identified himself as representing the applicant and said the proposal is for a retail-only microbusiness that would not include manufacturing or cultivation. He said the applicant expects to invest approximately $1 million in renovations to the existing building and that the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has preliminarily approved the applicant to proceed pending local approval.

A major focus of the hearing and public comment was traffic safety at the proposed site on a busy stretch of state highway and whether Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) remediation (for example restricting left turns or other changes) would be required before operation. Bouchard told the commission MnDOT asked for a traffic impact study and had proposed a restriction on left turns; he said the applicant was prepared to do the study and accept required remediation before opening. "They had a proposal of, no left hand turns in or out of the location. But I think ultimately that study will kind of dictate what happens there," Bouchard said.

The commission also heard a late-submitted letter and maps from SBA Communications asserting that an existing nearby telecommunications tower could accommodate additional carriers; counsel for SBA argued the proposed tower in a separate agenda item might be unnecessary. (That separate telecommunication item prompted the commission to request propagation maps in that proceeding.) Several residents and business owners from La Crescent raised concerns about the number of proposed cannabis retail locations in and near La Crescent, proximity to boat launches and recreational facilities, and the potential for increased traffic from Wisconsin customers making left turns into the site.

After reviewing staff findings and hearing public comment the commission voted to recommend denial of the interim use permit to the Houston County Board. Commissioners cited traffic-safety uncertainties, the site's proximity to other dispensaries, and the need for detailed traffic-mitigation plans from MnDOT before the county should approve a retail operation. The record and staff packet will go to the County Board; the commission's recommendation is advisory and the County Board will make the final decision.