The Dolores Town Board has continued the ban on retail marijuana shops by a vote of 5-2.
The pot-sales prohibition ordinance, enacted in 2014, was extended two years, until Dec. 31, 2018, to allow for more time to consider the matter.
Before the motion to continue the ban, town trustee Robert Dobry presented a motion that would have allowed the ban to be overturned by resolution of the board, which is less cumbersome than passing an ordinance.
“I feel that is a compromise,” he said.
But the measure failed and a motion to continue the ban passed, with trustees Dobry and Trevor Ince voting against.
The two say they believe retail marijuana sales would improve sales tax revenues for the town. Other board members said it could increase demand for law enforcement and increase town administrative costs.
Dobry pointed out that Dolores District 2 voted in favor of Amendment 64 in 2012, which legalized recreational use and sales of marijuana.
Towns and counties can decide whether to establish pot shops. Montezuma County has banned retails sales, but Cortez and Mancos have allowed them.
A controversial subdivision that would have opened the door for three small homes to be built on a hillside off Ninth Street has been withdrawn by the landowner, reported the Dolores town attorney. On Monday, the board was set to vote on lot-line adjustments only, but the issue is now moot. The landowner owns two lots, and hoped to subdivide one to create three lots to build on.
The plan subdivision plan drew crowds of town residents at recent meetings, most of whom opposed the subdivision citing potential geologic risks of building on the hillside.
Earlier this month, the planning commission recommended approval for the subdivision with conditions that a geological hazards and drainage survey be completed by an engineer, and that the findings be followed by the developer.
Developer Michael C. Green can still build two homes on his lots if the plan meets the town’s building and land-use codes, town officials said. Builders that meet town codes do not require a vote of the board, unless a variance is requested.
