OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The town will continue a moratorium on non-residential medical marijuana facilities as it contemplates a proposed ordinance to govern zoning for such facilities.
The town first enacted the moratorium in July, after local resident Pierre Bouthiller proposed a facility at 60 Saco Ave. that would accommodate medical marijuana research and development, as well as provide space for medical marijuana caregivers, or those licensed by the state to grow medical marijuana.
Typically, medical marijuana caregivers grow the plants at their residence. Bouthiller said he would like to lease out secure space for caregivers to grow marijuana, as growing medical marijuana from the home puts people at an increased risk of break-ins and theft.
Last month, the planning board recommended a proposed zoning ordinance for medical marijuana for the town council to consider. The town council has final say on the ordinance.
The proposed ordinance would allow medical marijuana growing and research facilities in the General Business 1, General Business 2 and the Planned Mixed Use Development districts as a conditional use. Under the proposed ordinance, such facilities would have to meet specific requirements for approval, including regulations concerning its distance from schools and other medical marijuana production facilities, as well as standards for the outside appearance of the facility.
The town council voted Tuesday night to extend the moratorium, which was going to expire on Jan.12, to March 15. Should an ordinance be voted on prior to March 15, the moratorium will be lifted.
Town Manager Larry Mead said it would be beneficial to the council to have a presentation on the proposed ordinance by staff and legal counsel on hand to answer any questions at an
upcoming meeting.
“It’s a complicated ordinance, and a complicated subject. It will probably take more than one meeting to digest it,” said Mead.
The council will hold a workshop on the proposed ordinance on Jan. 20, during which it will invite public comment.
Councilor Joseph Thornton said he wanted to get input from residents before the council makes any decisions on an ordinance.
“I haven’t heard anything from any member of the public on this at all,” said Thornton.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribunecom.
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