The meeting began with a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment to establish definitions, uses, special permit district boundaries, and regulations for marijuana establishments. The proposed changes would allow marijuana facilities by special permit in three districts: the highway business district, the general business district, and the TEED district, expanding from the current limitation to the TEED district alone. The allowance for these facilities aims to generate additional tax revenue for the city, as the only existing licensee has been unable to open a facility due to legal and financial constraints.

During the discussion, it was noted that the proposed areas for these facilities include parts of Squire Road, Northshore Road, and Shirley Avenue. However, these locations are still under review and subject to change. Concerns were raised about the proximity of these establishments to residential areas and schools. For instance, a proposed location near the new high school was flagged for potential conflict due to existing zoning laws that prohibit marijuana establishments within 400 feet of schools, churches, or public parks.

The board members unanimously voted in favor of recommending the zoning amendment to the City Council, but emphasized that the approval was contingent on further analysis and evaluation of eligible sites. This recommendation will now be reviewed by the City Council’s zoning subcommittee for further refinement and approval.

In another significant decision, the board voted to remove mechanical parking systems from the city ordinance. Initially, these systems were intended to help meet parking requirements for new projects. However, they have proven impractical due to soil conditions and other site-specific challenges. The board’s decision aims to prevent future projects from misleadingly promising mechanical parking solutions they cannot deliver, thereby avoiding the need for variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals.