Norman Township, Michigan officials have halted plans for a cannabis-friendly campground, claiming the project is “an immediate threat to the health, safety, and general welfare of the community,” because there are “no known sanitary or potable water facilities on-site,” the Detroit Metro Times reports.
The 20-acre campground – Camp Happy Trees – was planned by Debi Bair who said that campers would get shower passes to use at nearby campgrounds that have the facilities. She was issued a stop-work order by zoning officials on June 30. Zoning officials said the campground would need approval from the town’s planning commission; however, due to the coronavirus, the zoning and planning offices have been closed for three months.
Officials say she needs to present the proposal to the planning commission, hold a public hearing to inform people living 300 feet from the property about the intent and business plan. The camp would also need a campground operating license, which is issued by the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
“With 420 allowed, there’s only two KOA’s in the state of Michigan that allow 420 usage and they want you to stay in your tent or in your camper. You can’t walk around freely. I’m somebody that’s camped a lot. … Smoking in tents is not a good idea, it’s very dangerous. … I don’t want the shame with it. This is medication, it’s legal, and I want people to be able to not feel awkward or weird. I want them to be safe.” — Bair in an interview with the Big Rapids Pioneer
Bair indicated she is working with an attorney to meet the local requirements but that there is a “99 percent chance of change in business plans.” She added that she was searching for another property to establish the campground.
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