Because Missouri voters approved recreational marijuana use, cities must now deal with zoning regulations for its public use within city limits.
At the Feb. 21 meeting of the Jackson Mayor and Board of Aldermen, a public hearing was set for 6 p.m. Monday, March 20, regarding a text amendment to the zoning ordinance regarding the addition of provisions for marijuana dispensaries; facilities for cultivation, manufacturing testing, transportation and storage; and public consumption lounges.
The proposed text amendment is available to read on the city’s website.
The following are some considerations:
Dispensaries may be treated as drug stores, so everywhere drug stores are allowed, dispensaries will also be allowed.
Consumption lounges and marijuana clubs will be treated like bars. Bars are allowed in commercial and industrial districts if the property is at least 50 feet from a residential district. The City has one person interested in having a lounge, but his business isn’t 50 feet from a residential district, so he won’t be able to have a marijuana lounge in that location.
In other action
• Purple Heart City: The aldermen approved a proclamation designating Jackson as a Purple Heart City.
• 424 Howard St.: In 2019 the City purchased two acres of property adjacent to Litz Park. The garage has been used by the Parks and Recreation Department to store equipment, but the house is sitting empty.
The City plans to rent out the house for temporary income until the property is needed for future development. A contract was approved for SOTO Property Solutions to provide property management services for the house.
• Missouri Room renovations: The aldermen authorized a $12,000 task order to Strickland Engineering, LC, of Jackson, for engineering work on the renovation of the Missouri Room in Jackson City Hall. The room is currently used for municipal court, and two offices will be constructed along one wall.
• West Mary Street bridge: A $40,957.56 change order to Putz Construction, LLC, of Millersville, for work on the Mary Street Bridge over Hubble Creek was approved.
The additional cost pays for the removal of a tree that interfered with an electric pole guy wire, modifications to the sidewalks on the bridge to ensure ADA compliance, rock excavation, and a correction in the quantity of storm sewer.
In addition, the contract date was extended to May 18 because asphalt plants have been closed for the winter.
• A request for two handicapped parking spaces at 304 Daisy Ave. was discussed and an ordinance will be on the March 6 agenda for approval.
