A recreational marijuana shop was cleared to open in the same building as the local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous on Tuesday afternoon.
The Local Licensing Authority approved Telluride Bud Co. to open on Main Avenue near 35th Street and The Greenery to occupy a building in Bodo Industrial Park.
But only the Telluride Bud Co. location drew criticism because of its proximity to an AA office, homes and Mountain Middle School.
“You’re allowing the element of criminality to enter our neighborhoods,” Cindy Wright, a neighbor told the board.
Marijuana shops make easy targets for criminals because most shops can accept only cash, she said.
Another nearby property owner expressed concerns about allowing a marijuana shop to open so close to an AA office.
“That, to me, is severe conflict of interest,” Don Boyle said.
The shop is not precluded from opening in the same building as an AA office because the AA office does not meet the city’s definition as an addiction-recovery center, said Nicol Killian, the city planning manager.
Recreational marijuana shops must be 1,000 feet from addiction-recovery facilities that provide overnight stays.
The owner of Telluride Bud Co., Gary Davis, did not address the board. But he said his staff would be sensitive to those attending AA meetings.
However, his business cannot deny sales to someone based on the belief they may be attending AA meetings, he said Monday.
The potential for children and teenagers to be exposed to the shop on their way to the bus stop also outraged Boyle.
“What kind of legacy are we leaving?” he asked.
Telluride Bud Co. follows state regulations to prevent anyone younger than 21 from purchasing marijuana and asks everyone for proof of age before allowing them through the door, Davis said.
“All we can do is do our due diligence every day,” he said.
Licensing authority board member Bob Ledger called the neighbor’s concerns valid. But he explained the board does not have discretionary power to deny a marijuana location as long as the business owners successfully completes the application process. Potential owners with a felony criminal history can also be denied.
“Your argument, it really should be directed toward your elected officials,” Ledger told the concerned residents.
Cities and towns in Colorado have the ability to locally prohibit the sale of recreational marijuana.
After the board’s decision, Durango could be home to seven recreational marijuana outlets.
In February, Rocky Mountain High received approval to open at Main Avenue and 36th Street, just up the street from Telluride Bud Co.
There are no city regulations guiding the density of marijuana shops, Killian said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
