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Proposal to allow cannabis retail on Main Street fails after commissioners, downtown businesses and residents object
Summary
A proposal to add cannabis retail as a special‑exception use in the downtown B‑1 zone and to replace a state population cap with a 1,500‑foot spacing rule failed on a 1‑6 roll call after commissioners and downtown stakeholders raised compatibility and spot‑zoning concerns.
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted down a zoning text amendment (Z2024‑6) that would have permitted cannabis retail as a special‑exception use in the downtown B‑1 zone and revised special‑exception standards to remove a state density requirement and add a 1,500‑foot spacing standard. Director Kozlikowski summarized the proposed changes and referenced Public Act 21‑1 as background for municipalities’ options on cannabis regulation.
Several commissioners and members of the public objected to permitting dispensaries in downtown Main Street’s family‑oriented business district. "I don't think Main Street Middletown is the place for it," Commissioner Morgan Menarca said, citing restaurants, family events and the downtown character. Public commenters and a letter from the downtown business district commission urged the body not to expand dispensaries into the B‑1 zone. Commissioner Sebastian Giuliano, echoing business concerns, said he would not support expanding the use beyond the zones currently allowed. The motion to adopt the amendment was seconded and carried one Aye (Commissioner John Carlson) against six Nays in a roll‑call vote, and the amendment failed.
