Mount Clemens commission advances revised marijuana ordinance to second reading, amid debate over spacing and prequalification

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved the introduction and first reading of a revised marijuana business ordinance Tuesday, setting the matter for a second reading and possible adoption on May 2.

Mayor Laura Cropp read the ordinance introduction and administration said it would allow marijuana businesses in heavy industrial, light industrial and general commercial zones subject to distance limits: no closer than 1,000 feet to a school, 200 feet to a park or church, 150 feet to residentially zoned property, and 1,500 feet between marijuana businesses. Administration also said a map of potentially eligible properties was added to the online packet.

The ordinance drew multiple public questions and objections during the meeting’s public-comment period. Patrick Abadouda, who gave his address as 16557 Howard Drive, asked why the draft imposes a prequalification letter and why applicants would pay a $5,000 nonrefundable application fee if the State conducts much of the review. “If we’re charging such a high amount for our nonrefundable application fee, and we’re relying on the state to do all the due diligence, why are we doing so? Why are we charging $5,000 if the state’s doing all the work?” Abadouda asked.

Another resident, Ryan Theory, urged the commission to consider cross-jurisdictional impacts, saying the ordinance’s protections for city residents could put nearby Clinton Township residents at greater risk and framed the issue as one of civil liberties.

Administration and legal staff answered questions about the prequalification letter and spacing. A city adviser explained that the State of Michigan provides an optional prequalification process by which entities can submit financial and compliance information and receive a prequalification letter; the adviser said the city may include the letter in its application mechanics but that it can be removed from the ordinance if the commission prefers. On the 500-foot reference in the packet, the adviser clarified that section addresses advertising restrictions for designated consumption establishments — separate from the distance limits that apply to location siting.

Commission discussion focused on whether the 1,500-foot spacing requirement between marijuana businesses is necessary. A commissioner said odor and the concentration of grow operations were a primary rationale: “If you congregate a number of them altogether… odor is an issue to begin with,” the commissioner said. Others said the ordinance can be amended later if problems appear.

After questions and exchanges with administration, the commission voted to introduce the ordinance and set a second reading and adoption for May 2, 2022. The administration indicated a proposed application acceptance window (if the ordinance is adopted) to begin June 15 and end June 30, to give the clerk time to prepare application mechanics and forms.

What happens next: The ordinance will return for a second reading and final adoption vote on May 2. If adopted, administration proposed a mid-June acceptance period for initial applications, subject to the final ordinance language.

Reporting note: Article uses direct quotes and attributions only to speakers identified in the meeting transcript.