To the editor:
Manitou voters are receiving special mail-in ballots this week, asking to amend the City Municipal Code that would allow a third medical/retail marijuana store. The proposed location would be on Manitou’s west end, in the area commonly known as Higginbotham Flats, which is adjacent to Manitou’s Parks and Open Space and the storage units.
That is the only space that can accommodate 100 parking spaces in Manitou, and we are being asked to change the code to allow a new pot shop location there in addition to the two existing east-end locations already in Manitou’s business district.
The City Council that originally approved allowing two marijuana stores gave a lot of thought to regulating location and growth of these businesses, and Manitou residents should vote no to changing our current code to allow three.
Although I did support allowing the original two marijuana stores as we needed more income to support city infrastructure upgrades and repairs, allowing a third is unnecessary and could affect the delicate balance that now exists within our community.
Manitou does not need to become more of a pot shop destination; this is our home.