Cannabis store proposed for Concrete
CONCRETE - Jason Kitzman, owner of High Society in Anacortes, spoke with the Concrete Town Council on Monday about opening a cannabis store in the town.
"Concrete is the best option for us," Kitzman said.
Cannabis stores are currently not allowed within town limits.
However, Town Planner Kevin Cricchio and the town's Planning Commission are drafting new regulations. Cricchio said the regulations will be presented to the council at the next meeting on April 27.
Kitzman said Concrete is ideal because there are no other cannabis stores within about 30 miles, and a store would benefit the town by generating tax revenue.
Kitzman said he looking to open a store at the former Mad Hatter Metal Works on Dillard Avenue, south of Highway 20.
The location is 550 feet from the Upper Skagit Library.
Cannabis businesses must comply with state Liquor and Cannabis Board location restrictions, which require a minimum of 1,000 feet from elementary or secondary schools, playgrounds, recreation centers, child care centers, public parks, transit centers, libraries, or game arcades where admission is not restricted to those 21 and older.
However, local jurisdictions may reduce the distance to 100 feet for all but schools and playgrounds.
Kitzman urged the council to consider reducing the distance because the location he is considering is across Highway 20 from the library, and High Society has never sold products to anyone under 21.
He also said he plans to give back to the town through local event sponsorships and donations to local groups.
"We want to be part of the community," Kitzman said.
Property owner Reginald Riels also spoke during the meeting in favor of Kitzman's proposal.
He said he bought the building in 2018 to open a cannabis shop, but the council did not approve it because the library had moved within the 1,000-foot buffer zone.
He said since he's owned the building tenants did not pay him $54,000 because of the state's COVID-19 emergency protections for renters.
Riels has been delinquent on his property taxes since at least 2023.
He said that as a senior with no income he needs to sell the building to ensure his financial well-being.
Riels also said cannabis from licensed stores helps eliminate the possibility of the unregulated sale of marijuana within the town.
The 1.35-acre property is being listed for $495,000 by Front Street Realty.
Concrete's next Town Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, April 27. For more information, visit townofconcrete.com.
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