The Santa Clara Board of Trustees has voted against a conditional use permit for a retail cannabis dispensary in the village’s downtown area following a public hearing on Thursday. The decision came after trustees determined that the applicant, Nick Horner, failed to meet the necessary requirements, and after listening to several community members who opposed the business.
Horner, a former teacher from Texas and owner of the first retail cannabis store in Lovington, New Mexico, expressed his intention to continue pursuing opportunities in the region, potentially relocating to the village’s industrial park. He noted that he plans to transfer ownership of his Lovington store as he transitions to a new property in Arenas Valley.
The proposed dispensary was slated for 511 Fort Bayard St. in a modular building donated to the village by Aldo Leopold Charter School, which is zoned for commercial use. Horner commended the village for its improvements to local infrastructure but acknowledged that the building would require additional upgrades. He asserted that regardless of his plans, another cannabis business would eventually open in Santa Clara, highlighting that nearby communities like Hurley and San Lorenzo already host dispensaries.
Residents raised concerns regarding the potential impacts of a cannabis business in the village center, particularly given its proximity to family-friendly locations like the Roger T. Silva Family Splash Park, Viola Stone Park, and Central Elementary School. Concerns were voiced over underage access to cannabis and the general perception of cannabis use in public spaces.
Community member Yvonne Esparza, who has lived in the village for three decades, argued that the presence of a cannabis dispensary could tarnish the village’s family-oriented atmosphere. She emphasized the need for the community to carefully consider what types of businesses it allows in central areas, especially those frequented by children and families.
Terri Rico, a local teacher, presented a petition against the dispensary, citing studies indicating an increase in traffic and noise complaints in neighborhoods with cannabis stores. She stated that she has witnessed students waiting outside such establishments for others to purchase cannabis on their behalf, which raises concerns over youth accessibility.
The application was ultimately rejected due to its noncompliance with zoning regulations regarding proximity to residential areas. Mayor Arnold Lopez noted that the nearest home was measured at 34 feet from the proposed dispensary site, which does not meet the required 50-foot buffer. The trustees unanimously agreed to deny the permit, acknowledging the importance of resident feedback in the decision-making process.
Trustee Olga Amador suggested that the industrial park on the north side of U.S. 180 could be a more suitable location for the business. Horner indicated he was unaware of the available land there but expressed interest. The village administrator mentioned that parcels in the industrial area have been surveyed, and could be sold at reasonable prices, potentially accommodating future cannabis business developments while addressing community concerns.
The board’s decision reflects a broader dialogue about cannabis regulation and community values, as Santa Clara continues to navigate its approach to cannabis-related businesses in the face of community sentiment and zoning laws.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech