Commissioners debate allowing cannabis retail in downtown versus industrial park

Commissioners spent substantial time debating whether to allow cannabis retail in the downtown core or to limit retail to the industrial park and select commercial islands. One commissioner urged a conservative approach: "I'd like to see the retail thing done in the industrial park. That's where I'd like to see it," emphasizing preference for locating potentially high-cash operations away from pedestrian-oriented downtown.

Staff noted the proposed park buffer was set at 300 feet (rather than the 500-foot maximum) specifically so portions of downtown—including an area near the old Big Scott's—would remain eligible for retail under the draft map. Commissioners discussed trade-offs: restricting retail to industrial could limit downtown impacts but might also consign retail operators to less visible locations; allowing B-1/B-C-D opens more options but requires careful buffer mapping to protect parks, schools and daycares. The commission did not settle on a final restriction and directed staff to bring the updated draft to council for further consideration and public comment.