AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – City leaders in Auburn Hills have approved licenses for four marijuana businesses, but not without questions from residents.
At Monday (Nov. 11) night’s council meeting, more than a dozen residents asked about the application process, which saw three of the four licenses go to one business owner.
“To me, 75% to one person that’s not competition,” said longtime Auburn Hills resident Victoria Dobreanu.
In 2022, residents voted to allow four marijuana businesses to open up shop in town. Eight people applied for the four available licenses.
City attorney Derk Beckerleg explained the application worked as a points system and was reviewed and graded by the city manager, clerk and designees.
When reviewing the applications for Green Stone, Epic Stone, and Peace Stone, they also had to consider the business owner’s commitment to giving the city community benefits money.
Attorney Lance Boldery acknowledged that his client, the business owner who received three licenses, offered the city $100,000 for Veterans Memorial Park and “A continuing 180k a year in perpetuity.”
The council unanimously approved the applications, saying community benefits are not unique to Auburn Hills.