LAS CRUCES – The city is inviting residents to weigh in on land use and zoning related to cannabis growers and retailers using an online survey and through upcoming community meetings. The feedback will be used as the city crafts an ordinance regulating cannabis commerce locally.
“Since recreational cannabis became legal in New Mexico on June 29, we are providing a multitude of engagement opportunities for the public to find out more information, discover potential positive economic impacts, and to provide us input on their ideas and concerns as we examine land use and zoning options,” said Assistant City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau in a July 15 news release.
“We really want to get a sense from community members about their concerns and preferences on the legalized growing and sale of cannabis within the confines of state law,” Community Development Department Director Larry Nichols said.
An online survey opened Thursday and will remain available through Aug. 15. The survey, which is available in both Spanish and English, asks participants whether the city should impose additional regulations on personal home growth of cannabis, if dispensaries should be allowed to be located near liquor stores and bars, if dispensaries should face other zoning limitations and if cannabis operations concern residents.
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There are also multiple public meetings planned for the discussion of where recreational cannabis businesses will be located within the city. Nichols also said in the release the city government has been researching how other cities regulate cannabis.
A town hall meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. July 22 at City Hall. Taumoepeau said attendees will be able to talk to city officials and provide input on the land use recommendations.
The city said the upcoming ordinance will address business license registration and building codes, as well as the zoning and land use code. The city council will vote on its adoption.
The city provided a list of other public meetings.
- 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 21 – Economic Development Policy Review Meeting discussion, Library Board Room, Second Floor, Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave.
- 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22 – Quality of Life Policy Review Meeting discussion, Conference Room A, City Hall, 700 N. Main St.
- 1 p.m. Monday, July 26 – City Council work session, Council Chambers, City Hall 700 N. Main St.
- 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 27 – Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Council Chambers, City Hall 700 N. Main St.
- 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 – Town Hall #2, Council Chambers, City Hall 700 N. Main St.
- 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16 – City Council Regular Meeting, anticipated first reading of the proposed ordinance related to recreational cannabis, Council Chambers, City Hall 700 N. Main St. The public may contact their city councilors to provide comment to them leading up to Sept. 7 meeting.
- 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 – City Councilor Regular Meeting, anticipated final consideration of the proposed ordinance related to recreational cannabis, Council Chambers, City Hall 700 N. Main St.
The survey can be found at www.las-cruces.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6481. For more information, residents are encouraged to reach the Community Engagement Office at 575-541-2192 or by email at cannabis@las-cruces.org.
Michael McDevitt is a city and county government reporter for the Sun-News. He can be reached at 575-202-3205, mmcdevitt@lcsun-news.com or @MikeMcDTweets on Twitter.
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