NILES, MI (WSBT) — Nearly two dozen new marijuana dispensary licenses approved in Niles Township.
The township board approving all 21 applications.
It comes after many Niles Township residents came with concerns regarding the number of shops throughout the township.
The township did also place a moratorium on dispensary applications until 2026 because the township board wants to use these next six months to study how beneficial these new dispensaries are to economy and the community.
The public didn’t hold back regarding their feeling towards Niles Township board decision to approve licenses for 21 marijuana dispensaries.
Aperge Kovach, a Niles Charter Township resident made his stance clear on the approval of the dispensaries.
“Get the word in your mind, its a drug. Its a drug. Drug. Plain and simple” says Kovach.
They will all be located on South 11th Street between Fulkerson and Stateline Road.
One will replace the popular Hacker’s Golf and Games.
Another will go in where Jay’s Lounge currently sits.
Pat Thomas, who has lived in Niles Charter Township for many years says the number of dispensaries has gotten out of hand.
“Now you’ve got 80 people that want one end up here, and we’re nothing but a Niles Township dope place. And I’m tired of it” says Thomas.
Herschel Hoese, Niles township trustee voted no on majority of the dispensaries siting 21 is too many.
“And it’s certainly going with 22 or 25 or 50 stores. It’s a matter of greed for the township and I think it’s totally out of place” says Hoese.
The township passed an ordinance in April allowing for an unlimited number of dispensary licenses.
One resident filed a petition to challenge that ordinance, and allow voters to vote on it in November.
However, the township tonight determined there were not enough signatures to get it on the ballot.
Niles Charter Township declining to comment on the Marijuana Business Applications being approved due to “pending litigation”.
