Council hears request to allow marijuana stores downtown

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake property owner petitioned Moses Lake city councilmembers to consider changing a city ordinance and allowing marijuana retail shops into the downtown area. Several business owners spoke out this week against the proposal, saying they believe allowing marijuana stores would compromise the downtown area’s family-friendly atmosphere.

Gary Goodwin, who currently owns two spaces on West Third Avenue in Moses Lake that are up for lease, told the council he has been in contact with people who want to operate marijuana retail businesses. Goodwin noted that provisions in I-502 (marijuana reform legislation) are currently keeping the prospective marijuana retail businesses from leasing his vacant spaces.

Marijuana retail stores are not permitted within 1,000 feet of any elementary or secondary school, playground, recreation center or facility, child care center, public park, public transit center, library, or game arcade that allows minors, under I-502. Goodwin pointed out that recent legislation allows local governments to pass an ordinance to allow for a reduction in the 1,000-foot buffer to 100 feet around any location, with the exception of schools and public playgrounds. Goodwin asked the council to consider reducing the 1,000-foot buffer to 100 feet.

“Most of you are aware that there is an excise tax of 37 percent placed on each (marijuana) sale, over and above the 7.9 percent excise tax that is already on retail sales. That 37 percent does go back to local and state governments,” Goodwin told the council. “I am really here just motivated to get my spaces rented. They have been vacant for over a year. I have had several inquires; nothing has worked out for me.”

Goodwin’s request did not come without some opposition, as business owners in the downtown Moses Lake area were against reducing the buffer. Lisa Boorman, who owns the Red Door Cafe and Red Door Consignment on Third Avenue, said she believes the introduction of retail marijuana businesses into the downtown area would compromise the family-friendly atmosphere that has been established and cultivated.

“To me something like this is not going to attract families, it’s not going to attract tourism downtown and it’s not going to attract other businesses to want to come downtown,” Boorman said. “I do agree, we do have a lot of shops that are vacant and we would love to see that change. I do not think this is the way to change that and make that happen. I think that we can come together collectively and say ‘What are some options? What are some things we can do to make it more attractive for business owners to come downtown?’”

Janeene Wagner, who owns Tykes 2 Kids on Third Avenue, agreed with Boorman’s assertion that a recreational marijuana store doesn’t facilitate a family atmosphere. Wagner understood Goodwin’s desire to have his spaces rented, but said she believes marijuana stores would “empty out” the downtown area.

Councilmember Karen Liebrecht said she would like to see the 1,000-foot buffer stay where it is, stating she believes that marijuana stores in downtown Moses Lake are not the image the city wants to portray. Councilmember Ryann Leonard seconded Liebrecht’s sentiment, noting that business owners are actively transforming the downtown area into a family-friendly hub of activity.

“Just think of National Night Out, which is a crime prevention event and making good choices legally. And then we hold that event in front of a retail shop. I think it sends a mixed message and is not what our downtown is intended for,” Leonard said. “I wish Mr. Goodwin the best of luck, but I also am opposed to changing the ordinance.”

The council did not take action on Goodwin’s proposal Tuesday night.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.