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Published 3:06 pm Thursday, April 24, 2025
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EDWARDSBURG — The Edwardsburg Planning Commission continued discussing a possible Off Road Vehicle Ordinance and considered the village’s relationship with marijuana businesses at their monthly meeting Tuesday, April 15.
The commission also unanimously voted on officers, with Gordon Carr remaining as chair,
Sam Garwood as Vice Chair and Jackie Lazaro as Secretary.
Carr reported on his discussions with the police chief about possibly allowing ORVs on village streets. Though the village does not have the authority to allow ORVs on state roads, Edwardsburg could choose to pass an ordinance to allow them on roads they control. Carr will begin working to craft an ordinance mirroring that of Cass County ORV.
Garwood expressed a desire, based on constituent feedback, to open discussions with local marijuana businesses about their role in the community.
“People would like to see some benefit,” Garwood said.
During the discussion, it was noted that the presence of marijuana businesses have led to funding through taxes that have benefited schools, counties, and the village, including funds used to pave Edwardsburg roads. It was also noted that a dispensary donation allowed the police department to purchase body cameras.
Garwood cited conversations with constituents who are unhappy with local dispensaries, noting excessive traffic in the village but “not a lot of benefit.” He also noted that the buildings occupied by dispensaries have seen little improvement or increase in property value. The commission discussed seeking actual statistics on the financial benefits.
“This is all good discussion because people need to know what the benefits are,” said Garwood.
The commission expressed a desire to have any decisions on the matter made first by the village council. At the following week’s council meeting, Garwood brought up the discussion, noting a desire to avoid being punitive.
“I’m not making any argument at all,” said Garwood, noting that he only wanted to talk with the local marijuana businesses and that some residents may have had unrealistic expectations as to the benefit of hosting marijuana businesses.
In the council discussion, trustees were reminded that the ordinance cannot legally require any contributions to the village, as to avoid any appearance of bribery when selecting licensees. That issue was the reason for the lawsuit against Edwardsburg after the original passing of a marijuana ordinance.
While noting that asking for any specific contributions to the community was not possible, Council President Dennis Peak did note that the village marijuana ordinance was likely in need of an update to reflect changes in the state since the original law was established. He asked that the Planning Commission begin a review of the current ordinance.
“}]] EDWARDSBURG — The Edwardsburg Planning Commission continued discussing a possible Off Road Vehicle Ordinance and considered the village’s relationship with marijuana businesses at their monthly meeting Tuesday, April 15. The commission also unanimously voted on officers, with Gordon Carr remaining as chair, Sam Garwood as Vice Chair and Jackie Lazaro as Secretary. Subscribe to Leader Read More
