The first recreational marijuana operation in Benton Township has been given preliminary approval.
Trustees on Tuesday approved a special use permit for Richard Plangger to grow and sell recreational marijuana at 2390 Pipestone Road. Previously, Plangger has previously been approved for a medical marijuana grow and processing facility at the 25,000 square foot facility.
Township building official Chris Fuchs says the planning commission recommended the plan with several conditions:
- Expansion of retail use is subject to site plan review by the Planning Commission.
- Approval gives no guarantee a license will be issued by the Township for the uses approved by the special use permit.
- Subject to conformity with all Township Ordinances, obtaining all licenses required by the State of Michigan and the Township at the appropriate times.
- Sewer Plant approval of the effluent to be discarded into the sewer.
- Water connection with appropriate backflow design.
- Compliance with Township and State of Michigan Marijuana operating regulations.
According to the planning report, Plangger intends to apply for five Class C grow licenses, which allows for up to 10,000 plants to be grown on site. The facility will provide about 25 jobs initially, with between 40 and 50 people working at the grow facility once operational.
