Troy Trustees, Residents Clash Over Marijuana Processing
Following in the footsteps townships across the county, Troy Township Trustees considered the merits of banning the processing and sale of recreational marijuana during their Feb. 6 meeting.
Following in the footsteps townships across the county, Troy Township Trustees considered the merits of banning the processing and sale of recreational marijuana during their Feb. 6 meeting.
“Most townships are doing it, as well as cities,” said Trustee Donn Breckenridge, who introduced the topic.
Breckenridge brought copies of resolutions from Chester Township, Geauga County, Lakewood and Ashland as reference.
Trustee Len Barcikoski clarified what Breckenridge was proposing.
“This is saying we can’t grow it, we can’t sell it, but thanks to the voters, it’s legal to use it and have it,” he said, referring to the passage of the Marijuana Legalization Initiative (Issue 2) in November. “I’d gladly sign that thing, regardless of what our zoning says.”
Breckenridge described the proposed ban as a temporary moratorium until the Ohio House has finished ironing out the details of the legislation around marijuana. While action was not taken last Tuesday, a resolution is expected to be drafted for a future meeting.
Despite the trustees’ agreement against marijuana processing and sales, the public expressed different opinions it.
One audience member questioned why trustees would limit tax revenue coming into the township.
Breckenridge said he thought it was important for the safety of the residents and the betterment of the township.
A resident pointed to Middlefield’s marijuana processing facility as a success, asking why Troy couldn’t implement something similar.
“We only get tax dollars from property tax,” Breckenridge told him, adding the ban is his opinion and he thinks many townships are behind it for a reason.
Residents also brought up property value implications — one asking why the trustees would want to stop business from moving into Troy, while another questioned if a marijuana processing business could make the value of a piece of property go up.
Breckenridge reiterated his stance the resolution was important for the welfare of the township.
“I’ve talked to the zoning trustees and I’ve talked to (Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office) and I just think this is the way to go,” Breckenridge said. “I think this is the way that we want our township to go. I think it would supersede what little money we bring in.”
