New Buffalo Township, Michigan, has amended its marijuana ordinance during a special board meeting held on May 23. The changes were prompted by concerns regarding signage and the proliferation of cannabis dispensaries in the area. Supervisor Michelle Heit stated that the amendments aim to improve regulation and zoning related to cannabis businesses.
Key amendments include increased penalties for non-compliance with the ordinance. The fines for violations have escalated significantly: the first violation has increased from $500 to $2,500, the second from $2,500 to $5,000, and the third violation has jumped from $5,000 to $10,000.
Additionally, any new cannabis dispensaries must be situated more than 5,280 feet from existing public or private K-12 schools, churches, licensed daycare centers, government offices, or public libraries. Furthermore, new dispensaries are prohibited from being within 5,280 feet of existing residential one-family or multiple-family dwellings.
The amended ordinance also mandates that marijuana businesses turn off illuminated ground and wall signage outside of business hours, a regulation that will apply to all businesses in the township. Additionally, human directional advertising and murals considered signage are banned, and businesses are limited to one fan sign per property.
During the meeting, residents expressed their frustrations about the increasing number of cannabis dispensaries and the associated rise in traffic, which they feel threatens community safety and identity. Some residents reported alarming behavior on the roads near dispensaries, with concerns about speeding, stop sign violations, and illegal U-turns.
Denise Churchill, a resident of New Buffalo, urged the board to prioritize safety measures, stating, “We are now getting the means to do this. I would love to see more action.” Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit announced the hiring of a dedicated enforcement officer for the summer, funded by marijuana tax revenues, to address these concerns.
Residents voiced a variety of opinions during public comments. Glenn Logan, representing the Moorings Association, highlighted increased security measures taken on their private docks due to the influx of visitors to dispensaries. He stated, “I don’t care if the township gets sued 100 times. This has to end.”
Some residents criticized the township for allowing so many dispensaries, likening it to having too many ice cream shops in one location. Comments like “New Buffalo has become New Puffalo” underscored concerns that the town’s identity is shifting due to the cannabis industry. Others questioned why cannabis development was not included in the township’s master plan and raised concerns about the zoning that permitted such dense clustering of dispensaries. One resident warned, “If these businesses fail, what comes next? Strip clubs? Nightclubs? We need to think about what we’re zoning for.”
Despite the criticisms, some speakers encouraged collaboration between the township, law enforcement, and dispensary owners. A representative from King of Budz emphasized community involvement initiatives, stating, “We’re not just a marijuana company. We employ over 150 people and want to be part of the solution.” Robert Kemper, a local business owner, called for the establishment of a task force that would include law enforcement, residents, and dispensary representatives to foster cooperation.
Sara Schroeder, a local dispensary manager, acknowledged the issues but also highlighted the positive contributions her organization makes to the community. She noted, “I agree it’s out of control. We need to button it up for the safety of staff and the community.”
Township officials reiterated their limited authority under Michigan’s cannabis laws, which do not restrict the number of licenses issued, unlike alcohol regulations. They have already taken steps to mitigate concerns, such as outlawing mobile advertisements and rejecting misleading permit applications. Future infrastructure upgrades will be funded by marijuana tax revenues.
Sheriff Heit mentioned that the county faces challenges since both U.S. Route 12 and Highway 39 are managed by the state, limiting the county’s ability to implement traffic control measures. However, he assured residents that they are working with the Michigan Department of Transportation to address signage and traffic control issues. One board member stated, “We’ve heard the concerns. Now we need to find a path forward together.”
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