Contested hearing for Muldoon marijuana permit continues after late‑night adjournment

A contested public hearing on a marijuana retail license application for Baltazar Holdings at 1431 Muldoon Road drew both opposition and support on Aug. 4. Opponents pointed to neighborhood meetings they said were irregular and argued the site is too close to schools and playgrounds; supporters and business partners urged that Baltazar is a long‑time local employer and developer who has followed municipal rules.

Fran Gregor of the Northeast Community Council said the council had repeatedly voted against an additional retail outlet on Muldoon Road and questioned the validity of neighborhood meeting minutes submitted with the application. Opponents also flagged an apparent misaddressed document and contested whether outreach had been adequate. Supporters, including long‑time customers and business associates, described Baltazar as a local entrepreneur who provides jobs and housing development. The applicant and counsel described a multiyear outreach process and changes in third‑party partners; attorney Jana Weltzien said the applicant returned to the neighborhood council to explain changes after a prior MOU partner stepped away. The assembly reached its procedural time limit and continued the hearing to Aug. 18; the public hearing remains open.