Here's my conjecture: CEN Biotech was told by the mayor and the director of community development services that zoning would be no problem and that they would pave the way.
Issues presented by residents near the facility have caused the elected officials to camouflage their original backing of the enterprise. When questioned regarding the approval of the new building a council member stated "our hands are tied" and another stated that CEN Biotech had done everything "to the letter of the law". No council member wants to be seen as supporting of the existing building and its intended use.
The council can continue to defer the matter until it resolves itself and continue to say "our hands were tied" or actively pursues a site specific zoning amendment for CEN Biotech.
Actively blocking CEN Biotech's license issue opens the municipality to litigation from CEN Biotech. A case in court will reveal the active invitation and offer of political assistance from the mayor and town and nobody wants this.
Since there are STILL no zoning regulations specific to marihuana production in the town of Lakeshore and the CEO has alluded to farming taking place on 2 existing sites the legal system will have to rule in CEN Bio's favor.
In the town's own meeting minutes they have listed their research of other municipalities that have ALREADY made zoning provisions for marihuana production. This serves to highlight the fact that Lakeshore is dragging its feet and seems unable to come up with zoning regs. They are deferring the adoption of zoning regs at every opportunity presented.
They have a facility close to licensing and have done nothing to prevent it until prompted by an attorney introducing litigation against the town!
Council members have made it known that they believe sending a letter to HC asking for a license delay is opening the town to litigation. I agree. The political game Lakeshore is playing is making them vulnerable to damaging lawsuits in an arena they are ill prepared to do battle in.
Several citizens suing because they were not aware of the intended construction of a marihuana farm is one thing. Encouraging a business to invest millions of dollars with a promise of government support and then pulling the plug is a MUCH bigger financial liability.
IMO
Issues presented by residents near the facility have caused the elected officials to camouflage their original backing of the enterprise. When questioned regarding the approval of the new building a council member stated "our hands are tied" and another stated that CEN Biotech had done everything "to the letter of the law". No council member wants to be seen as supporting of the existing building and its intended use.
The council can continue to defer the matter until it resolves itself and continue to say "our hands were tied" or actively pursues a site specific zoning amendment for CEN Biotech.
Actively blocking CEN Biotech's license issue opens the municipality to litigation from CEN Biotech. A case in court will reveal the active invitation and offer of political assistance from the mayor and town and nobody wants this.
Since there are STILL no zoning regulations specific to marihuana production in the town of Lakeshore and the CEO has alluded to farming taking place on 2 existing sites the legal system will have to rule in CEN Bio's favor.
In the town's own meeting minutes they have listed their research of other municipalities that have ALREADY made zoning provisions for marihuana production. This serves to highlight the fact that Lakeshore is dragging its feet and seems unable to come up with zoning regs. They are deferring the adoption of zoning regs at every opportunity presented.
They have a facility close to licensing and have done nothing to prevent it until prompted by an attorney introducing litigation against the town!
Council members have made it known that they believe sending a letter to HC asking for a license delay is opening the town to litigation. I agree. The political game Lakeshore is playing is making them vulnerable to damaging lawsuits in an arena they are ill prepared to do battle in.
Several citizens suing because they were not aware of the intended construction of a marihuana farm is one thing. Encouraging a business to invest millions of dollars with a promise of government support and then pulling the plug is a MUCH bigger financial liability.
IMO
