The approval for Macrosource LLC’s anhydrous ammonia tank installation at 2012 28th Avenue South marked a step forward in addressing safety and environmental concerns. The new permanent storage solution replaces the current reliance on 90,000-gallon rail cars, thereby reducing potential risks associated with prolonged rail car storage. The installation of a fin fan cooler, expected to reduce odors by 50%, adds to the community’s safety benefits. Macrosource’s Director of Operations, Chad Han, explained that zoning and regulatory hurdles delayed the project, but with necessary approvals now in place, the company is poised to proceed.

Simultaneously, the commission tackled zoning challenges faced by cannabis businesses. With Minnesota legalizing cannabis in 2023, Moorhead has been adapting its zoning regulations to accommodate new cannabis-related enterprises. The proposed text amendments aim to open up more commercial and mixed-use districts for cannabis testing facilities, addressing the low vacancy rates in industrial zones. Another change would allow cannabis micro and mezzo businesses to occupy multi-tenant buildings, provided they share the space with other cannabis-related businesses. This amendment is designed to alleviate financial burdens on businesses that cannot afford to purchase entire buildings.

Despite the adjustments, the commission maintained restrictions to protect residential areas from potential nuisances, such as odors from cultivation. No public comments were received regarding these amendments.