Ypsilanti approves opening of new medical marijuana grow facility
The Ypsilanti Planning Commission has approved a special use permit for the "Aspen Gardens" medical marijuana grow operation at 75 Catherine St.
Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com
A new medical marijuana grow facility will open this year in Ypsilanti, making it the second to operate in the city.
The planning commission unanimously approved a special use permit for the facility to be located at 75 Catherine St., which is at the intersection of Catherine and Chidester streets.
Assistant City Planner Bonnie Wessler said the commission approved the permit, with a few conditions. The applicant named on the special use permit application is AZ Holdings, LLC who plans to name it “Aspen Gardens.”
"They added the condition that a sidewalk be constructed and a curb cut be closed on the northwest side," Wessler said.
Although approval was granted, AZ Holdings will still have a few steps to go through such as obtaining permits and submitting revised site plans before it can officially open.
Wessler said they're also in the process of obtaining their medical marijuana license necessary to open. The facility opening does not require council approval.
According to the site plan, the site most recently has been used for an auto body repair, hair product manufactory, and as a social club for the Iron Coffins Motorcycle Club. AZ Holdings plans to perform significant renovations to the interior of the space.
The building's assessed value is $67,600.
Another grow facility is hoping to open at 834 Railroad St. and is awaiting site plan approval.
The site plan approval comes a day after Mayor Pro Tem Lois Richardson said the city should consider placing a moratorium on medical marijuana grow facilities and dispensaries opening in the city. The city currently has six dispensaries, with the possibility of a seventh opening on Huron Street.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Marie Doc
Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 5:36 a.m.
It is awesome that people are getting aware of the benefits of medical marijuana. Now for the people who want to become growers have an oppurtunity to learn and grow weeds. The event on medical cannabis is being held in Europe on April 19 to 21 2013.Where they will get knowledge about growing medical weed hydroponically and the new nutrients to grow weeds in a better way. For more information on show click here- http://bigbudsmag.com/grow/article/growmed-medical-cannabis-show-gearing-valencia-spain
AAbob43
Tue, Mar 26, 2013 : 7:47 p.m.
"More weed, more crime?" Who doesn't get it????? This is the "weed" that's regulated and tracked. It's not the black market. Hey, anyone remember what a raging success Prohibition was? That didn't enrich criminals and create criminality MUCH, did it? While we're at it, let's repeal universal suffrage, let's reinstate slavery, and what else can we go backwards to???
Hmm
Mon, Mar 25, 2013 : 4:26 p.m.
Good for Ypsi!
genetracy
Sun, Mar 24, 2013 : 2:39 p.m.
Will John Sinclair cut the ribbon at the opening?
Really??!!
Sun, Mar 24, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.
While I have no objections to the proposed grow facility, I am bewildered as to why our city staff and elected city officials seem incapable and/or unwilling to address with the same zeal and sense of urgency the real problems that face our residents on a daily basis. Blighted structures are increasing exponentially, serious crime rates are soaring, gang activity is soaring, our police and fire department staffing levels have been decimated, the Water Street debacle continues unabated, city finance remain in shambles, bond ratings and property values are plummeting, our infrastructure is crumbling from years of neglect, etc. Our new city manager continues to put his head in the sand, except to hire new and promote existing highly compensated city hall office staff. What is it going to take for our elected officials and senior city staff to stop making excuses and start taking action? Spending more money on already over-compensated office staff is not the answer!
brian
Sun, Mar 24, 2013 : 2:32 a.m.
I'm from Ypsi and that location is going to see it's share of problems. That location is right in the middle of 2 of the worse locations in Ypsi, Grove road and the South Side. I hope they have 24 hour armed security there. A2.com, I'm not trying to be funny I am being serious.
Basic Bob
Sun, Mar 24, 2013 : 4:30 a.m.
Security will certainly be one of the costs of running this type of business. I sincerely doubt that an armed guard will be required, since most banks full of money and party stores selling whiskey - both of which are open to the public - do not. Even party stores in the "worst locations".
Bones
Sun, Mar 24, 2013 : 1:45 a.m.
As a side note. It will not be long after it is up and operational that we all read a story on it having been broken into. It is in a shady little area.
brad
Sun, Mar 24, 2013 : 2:32 a.m.
Very literally shady. Tree lined Huron River frontage is across the street, with a ball field and church behind, and park directly to the east. I'd describe that area as a desolate if anything, primarily due to the vacant ex-Visteon/Ford lots across the street.
Bones
Sun, Mar 24, 2013 : 1:43 a.m.
What the heck. They have run all the legitimate businesses out. Might as well recoup the losses incurred by running a dope den. WTG planning commision. I guess this is some more of that green technology we have all been hearing about.
sayzme
Mon, Mar 25, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
Translation: I don't approve so I will call this business NOT legitimate. I thought the right was all for business? I guess only the kinds they "approve"
blueeyedpupil
Sun, Mar 24, 2013 : 12:40 a.m.
First a few facts: the facility is for growing medical marihuana only. Its not a dispensary. The neighborhood iis actually nice and friendly, poverty does not mean people arent good neighbors. The garden at Chidester is unfortunately only for residents, so its usually only partially used. Now the residents at Chidester would love a stop and go there. LOL Its a hard walk up the hill to the stores no matter what direction you go. Many are handicapped and cant manage the hill. Voters have spoken and they say they want MMJ to be legal. Nothing wrong with a business paying taxes and legally conducting their business. Much better than a vacant building.
Paul
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 11:19 p.m.
Yea, this is awesome. I never thought I live long enough to see this happening. So sick of being look down as second class citizens just cause pills or booze doesn't work for U. This a drug some folks need to improve their lives. If we really live in a free country, then people should have a right to use the drugs that work best for them. True, the best drug might be no drugs but who those who need medical weed, they should be allowed to use it and not look down upon because of it.
dading dont delete me bro
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 11:04 p.m.
ima open a stop n go across the street and fill it with little debbies & doritos. party on.
theflyingdutchman
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 10:34 p.m.
It's too bad that so many people want to tell others how to live their life and try to justify this on false analagies. It will be good to have a tax paying business occupy that building. I'm sure they'll fix it up, as it looks like it's on the brink of condemnation.
martini man
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 9:45 p.m.
Wow !!! That's not too far from where I live . I have been having these vague headaches lately, can I stop by and look around ??? Do they have an onsite doctor writing RX's ??? Do they need a part time gardener or plant waterer ? Jus askin'
Ben Petiprin
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 7:26 p.m.
I'd like to start by saying that I like weed as much as the next guy. But I'm concerned about what will happen to it when big business gets involved. Do people truly think that because it's marijuana the capitalists who take control will handle it altruistically. It will inevitably be run by one of the 20 or so people who run everything else and the same tricks will be used. The taxes that this might generate will certainly be dodged and funds will end up in Cayman Island banks. Bet, within five years of complete legalization and mass production weed will be so full of dangerous preservatives and filler they'll be deadlier than cigarettes.
Paul
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 11:31 p.m.
I hope you are not right. Some do claim moonshine--which is illegal--is the best alcohol, I hope weed doesn't become like that. There is also the danger of having weed that is too strong--too weak or mixed with other drugs. And yeah look what happen to tobacco, so many chemical are used they made cigarettes deadly the ever, IMO Hopefully the purest buds will be grown and in a healthy environment. Right now if you are approved you can grow your own bud. That might well end up being the way to go expect not everybody has the space, the time and even the skill to grow good weed. I have high hopes, lol, that safe clean weed will be available at hopefully a price that we can all afford.
Alfred E Newman
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 6:23 p.m.
now everybody knows where it ie even criminals
Paul
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 11:34 p.m.
You also know where the Budweiser plants are. They got them looking so pretty and with fancy big semi trucks hauling the booze out all day long. I have yet to see a big semi rig advertising pot like they do with beer.
Hunterjim
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 4:39 p.m.
At least we will know it is a gun free zone....Federal law prohibits anyone using marijuana (medical or not) from possessing a firearm.
Paul
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 11:42 p.m.
Well they are not using it but growing it. Right ? And even if you are a medical card holder, it doesn't mean you have to use weed, just you have the right to used it if you feel the need. I don't understand this thinking you can't have both a gun permit and a weed permit. Just you are not to use weed and posses a gun...correct ? MORE lawyers are need, just like the NRA has so many lawyers to fight for their rights. Who ever heard of not drinking after a long day of hunting ? That is the thing to do during deer season and as far I understand its perfectly legal. So by that logic why can't you hunt during the day and smoke bud during the night ? Federal laws need to be changed to be fair to all.
me234
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.
That is a good spot for a community Garden .
brad
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 6:06 p.m.
There is already a small community garden across the street west of the building, overseen by (exclusive to?) Chidester Place.
Greg
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 2:57 p.m.
As we have lost the "war on drugs" by any rational measure ( availability, thriving black market, lost income by not taxing pot and using the money constructively rather that the hundreds of billions we have blown fighting them, number of people who use, etc....) we need to find a way that actually stands a chance of working at least better. Continuing to throw money at drugs, putting a large percentage of our citizens in prisons, clogging the court system and prisons is just plain not working. Think about what we have got for the close to one trillion dollars we have already spent on this so called war. It is obscene.
Paul
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 11:50 p.m.
Think back to when this War on Drugs got started. It was back when equal rights for all came about. Blacks got equal rights as everybody else and then what started to happen, a higher % of blacks started getting lock up in prison then ever before and many for drug crimes. Civil right laws happen about the same time as this war on drugs, hmmm.
Dog Guy
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 2:38 p.m.
"Aspen Gardens" sounds like a co-op community garden plot and is a clever name choice.
Tom Joad
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 2:33 p.m.
Woefully inadequate reporting here. Why not dig in-depth to explain to the reader how this grow facility operates, under which guidelines will it provide marijuana to patients. As the Michigan Supreme Court ruled dispensaries illegal under the MMA I fail to see how this facility can legally supply marijuana except as stringently outlined in the statute. What kind of public accountability does this facility provide? How can the city of Ypsilanti actively engage in sanctioning an illegal grow facility? Medical marijuana can only be grown by caregivers. It can't be sold to dispensaries.
Paul
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 11:56 p.m.
You know that Michigan Supreme Court ruling could be appealed to the US supreme court. If somebody had the money to fund it and IF the USSC agreed to hear the case. It doesn't seem fair for states like CA to have dispensaries and MI have none. Maybe that is why we don't see all dispensaries being shut down in the state.
Basic Bob
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 2:52 p.m.
I certainly don't know their business model or plan, and I doubt that the owners are publicizing it at this point. It's not like they can hang out a shingle and open a storefront. The facility can operate legally under state law. The city does not have to sanction it. Nothing stops caregivers from jointly operating a grow facility in a co-op arrangement where each rents a small garden and pays for utilities, maintenance, and security. In fact this seems like a better approach than growing inside several caregivers' houses. Each caregiver can then supply their patients according to state law, which as you point out does not include dispensaries.
Lizzeh
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
"The city currently has six dispensaries, with the possibility of a seventh opening on Huron Street". Ugh, I went into the wrong line of work! Marijuana is clearly a growth industry. Why, oh why did I listen to all those say no to drugs campaigns. :( Well, at least they aren't putting this place in a nice area. Let's face it, if Ypsi were a Monopoly Board, Catherine St. would be our equivalent to Baltic Ave.
dancinginmysoul
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 2:08 p.m.
Personally I'd like to see all the money wasted on fighting the decriminalization of marijuana go directly to repairing our roads. BOOM! Problem solved.
Tuna
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 12:11 p.m.
More weed (Drugs) more crime. You people just don't get it.
sayzme
Mon, Mar 25, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
Yeah...."you people"...."We've given you people all the tax returns you need to see" Okay.... Ann Romney
hail2thevict0r
Sun, Mar 24, 2013 : 2:53 p.m.
If this were true, Ann Arbor would be the most crime stricken area in the state.
Basic Bob
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
Better they open a CVS. That way organized crime figures can steal from the government and insurance companies, and provide synthetic heroin to unfortunate people in trailer parks in Kentucky. And we can buy our weed from Mexican drug cartels. That's a win-win.
clownfish
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 2:12 p.m.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition LEAP advocates the elimination of the policy of drug prohibition and the inauguration of a replacement policy of drug control and regulation, including regulations imposing appropriate age restrictions on drug sales and use, just as there are age restrictions on marriage, signing contracts, alcohol, tobacco, operating vehicles and heavy equipment, voting and so on. LEAP believes that an inordinate number of people have been misguidedly incarcerated for violation of zero-tolerant, nonviolent, consensual "drug crimes." The end of drug prohibition will allow those persons to be promptly released, to have their record of conviction expunged, and their civil rights completely restored. However, the repeal of drug prohibition does not imply the exoneration from charges for connected offenses, such as violent crimes, gun crimes, theft, or driving under the influence of drugs. Furthermore, LEAP believes that people using alcohol or other drugs must be held accountable for any misbehavior, which harms other people or property of others, while under the influence of mind-altering substances. 3. LEAP believes that adult drug abuse is a health problem and not a law-enforcement matter, provided that the abuse does not harm other people or the property of others. http://www.leap.cc/#
dancinginmysoul
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
You're funny. Who are "you people"?
Billy
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
Marijuana related crime dropped significantly in California following decriminalization....and no I don't mean marijuana arrests went down...I mean crimes connected to marijuana in any way (such as the suspect was high)....THOSE went DOWN. Remove the black market component to the trade and crime drops. Prohibition PROVED this.
clownfish
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 1:47 p.m.
Got proof? More black market weed may lead to more crime., how does legally obtained MJ cause more crime? Byr defintiion it reduces crime, doesn't it? The "war on drugs" is the root cause of the crime, not the weed. I count more than a dozen CVS stores that have been robbed in the last year-year and a half, are you calling for them to be shuttered? I think you are the one that "does not get it". Legalize it, end the madness, end the killings and the connection to gangs and cartels.
Homeland Conspiracy
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 12:53 p.m.
alcohol = drunk driving alcohol = fights alcohol = deaths tobacco = cancer gambling = financial ruin chocolate = obesity freedom = freedom
andy kelly
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
So, more alcohol = more drunks, right? Therefore, more weed = higher snack sales and a generally happy and elated population - not to mention more tourism dollars. I thought Republicans were about freedom and business/money is king? What is the deal? Is true freedom not found in your dictionary?
Goober
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 11:41 a.m.
Can't make money and survive as a city the normal way. So, we have decided to follow in the footsteps of other problem cities and allow people to grow and sell weed. Go figure!
clownfish
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
Tough room of censors today! Which "problem cities" are you writing about? Yes, the voters of MI decided to allow adults to make their own decisions, what I can't figure out is why the republicans oppose this idea.
clownfish
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
What "problem cities" are you writing about? Were you aware that the people of Michigan voted overwhelmingly to allow this type of business? I figure that there is a buying public and there is a group of people with the desire to run a business feeding that public, it's called The Market. Now, if you want to close down businesses that attract crime maybe we should look at the CVS chains that get robbed on a regular basis, or maybe the Coney Island that attracts a "certain element"?
andy kelly
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
I thought Republicans were about freedom and business/money is king? What is the deal? "Normal" way - but business is about innovation, is it not? "Normal" would go out of business, we must adapt to the times, the direction of the peoples will, and the industriousness of new entrepreneurs. Besides, smiling happy people make for a smiling happy populous, much better than a mean drunk populous. Or do you want to take away alcohol as well? You better also look at caffeine, I hear it can make your heart race a bit.
Homeland Conspiracy
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
Beats gambling