Las Cruces City Council is considering removing a city ordinance that dictates where cannabis businesses can set up shop.
On Monday afternoon, the Las Cruces City Council will meet and vote on removing the ordinance requiring cannabis businesses to keep a 300 foot distance between other cannabis shops as well as residential neighborhoods.
The zoning rule has been in place since September 7, 2021.
Over one year later and a common complaint from prospective business owners is the difficulty that comes with finding a location that adheres to the distancing requirement.
This agenda item was brought up by members of the city council after hearing complaints from prospective business owners and after five special use permits have been heard and approved by the council to allow a business to deviate from the ordinance.
Las Cruces Mayor, Ken Miyagishima, said that he is not on board.
"I'm not supportive of this, this is something that the city brought forth," Miyagishima said.
While the Mayor said he would consider eliminating the buffer from business to business, he's not fond of the idea of removing it from business to residential areas.
Although the Mayor has reservations, KFOX14 spoke with Las Crucens who shared mixed feelings.
One member of the community said she too was timid of changing the ordinance.
"I think they should leave the 300, maybe even make it more. As a mother and as living in the residence, it's kind of scary sometimes. Them being so close together," Claudia Ortega said.
Another Las Crucen said she thinks the council should allow the businesses the opportunity to grow.
"I think it's a good idea these businesses are just starting to come out and the less restriction for them to grow the better," Raquel Madrigal said.
When the council meets they have the following options when they vote:
- Vote "Yes"; this will approve the ordinance and affirm the P&Z recommendation to amend sections 38-32D, 38-53, and 38-54 of the LCMC. The LCMC will be modified to reflect these changes.
- Vote "No"; this will deny the ordinance and reject the recommendation made by the P&Z. The current LCMC will remain unchanged.
- Vote to "Amend"; this allows the City Council to modify the Ordinance as deemed appropriate
- Vote to "Table"; this allows the City Council to table/postpone the Ordinance and direct staff accordingly.
Las Cruces are encouraged to attend the meeting on Monday at 1 p.m. at City Hall to give their opinion on the matter.
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