BLACKDUCK – The Blackduck City Council recently amended the city’s ordinance regarding cannabis businesses and required buffer zones following a public hearing on Monday.

Passing with a 4-1 vote, the amendment effectively eliminates minimum buffer requirements for cannabis cultivation facilities and manufacturers between schools and day cares.

Requirements remain for retail cannabis, with stores prohibited from operating within 200 feet of a school, within 500 feet of a day care, within 500 feet of a residential treatment facility, within 500 feet of an attraction within a public park that is regularly used by minors, and within 500 feet of another retail cannabis business.

The amendment arose following
the closure of The Shade Store and Anderson Fabrics Factory Outlet earlier this year.
With layoffs going into effect in April, questions cropped up regarding the future purpose of the buildings.

Alan Bonsett and his company, NoBo, expressed interest in purchasing the former Anderson Fabrics facility and repurposing it for cannabis cultivation in August. With the city’s prior cannabis ordinance, a challenge presented itself given the facility’s location next door to Blackduck Head Start.

The city council began the process of amending the ordinance and sought out community feedback on Bonsett’s proposal during two public hearings. Among a flurry of questions, support and concerns, the amendment would be eventually approved and clear the path for the Anderson Fabrics facility’s future purpose.

Bonsett anticipates up to 150 new jobs will be created once the facility is renovated and ready for workers.