By Don Nelson
The Winthrop Town Council has approved a request by Austin Lott, owner of the Fresh Greens retail marijuana store in the Horizon Flats area, to amend the conditional use permit which allowed his business to open last year.
In his application to the town, Lott had said he would like to amend the permit to allow the business to be open on Sundays. He also asked that he be able to keep the store open until 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and until 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Under the conditional use permit issued in 2014, Fresh Greens can be open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
In a memo to the council, Town Planner Rocklynn Culp said that “other than an early concern regarding the required entrance and exit signs, I have heard no complaints or comments regarding Fresh Greens. The business appears to be operating without any notable impacts, and within the limits of the existing permit.”
At last week’s town council meeting, Culp reiterated that she has heard of no operational problems with the store, so the council’s decision would “discretionary” as to allowing expanded hours.
Lott submitted a petition with signatures supporting his request. Several people spoke in favor of the request at the council meeting, citing the positive economic benefits s of the marijuana industry in Okanogan County. The town received two letters from residents opposed to the additional hours.
Council member Mike Strulic said he’s satisfied with store’s location and that Fresh Greens “has proved to be a model business.”
“The town can’t be held hostage by the complaints of a few,” Strulic said.
Council member Jessica Sheehan referred to earlier discussions about the conditional use permit initially granted to Fresh Greens, although it is a retail operation in an industrial zone. “Why is it [Fresh Greens] getting special consideration?” she asked.
Fresh Greens required a conditional use permit to operate in Horizon Flats because the area is zoned industrial. The original permit was issued after much council discussion, and some objections by Horizon Flats residents. The store opened in July 2014.
In his original application, Lott had asked for longer hours of operation and the option to be open on Sundays.
Council member Rick Northcott said that “most people I talk to are fine with it [the Fresh Greens Store],” but don’t want it in downtown Winthrop.
Northcott and Strulic voted to approve the request, while Sheehan voted against it.
