SDRK Group, the operator of a GrowUp cultivation facility in the city of Lapeer, appealed the city clerk’s decision not to renew the company’s cultivation license, company leaders and employees told the City Commission on Jan. 5.

Jacob Dicow, a managing partner at SDRK Group, said the company invested about $8,000,000 to redevelop a former industrial site, employs 26 people (about one‑third local), and pays licensing fees to the city. "To take the position of not renewing our license is effectively shutting down this business and along with it, the jobs it has brought and the investment made in the city of Lapeer," Dicow said during public comment. He said SDRK has spent more than $100,000 on odor‑mitigation systems that were approved by the city.

SDRK co‑owner Andy Shango acknowledged ongoing odor complaints and cited multiple citations in the past year but said the firm has contracted three odor‑control specialists and is willing to work with the city. "We are willing to work with the city, to make this work," Shango said, and warned that the company would pursue litigation if the city upholds a nonrenewal.

Several facility employees described the possible personal consequences of a shutdown. "This job has changed my life," said Savannah Hamilton Zweiss, who identified herself as a Lapeer resident. Other workers said their positions provide wages that allow them to pay rent and support families, and asked the commission to give clear, reasonable corrective steps rather than an outright denial.

City Manager Womack told the commission the city had just received SDRK’s appeal and that staff and the city attorney had not yet had time to review it in detail. "My suspicion is that we would be setting an appeal at some point in February," Womack said, adding that staff would notify SDRK of the hearing date when it is available.

The commission did not take an immediate action on the appeal at the meeting. City staff said the appeal filing has been logged and the next procedural step is to schedule a hearing before the commission. Stakeholders present urged the commission to balance enforcement of the city’s odor ordinance with a clear remediation path that allows the business to remain operating while addressing neighborhood concerns.

The commission indicated the appeal hearing date will be provided to SDRK as soon as it is scheduled.