Lincoln Park council affirms planning commission and adopts ordinance allowing marijuana retail in municipal business district

Lincoln Park — The City Council on Jan. 14 adopted an amendment to the city’s zoning code to allow marijuana retail establishments as a permitted special land use in the municipal business district, affirming a 5–2 recommendation from the planning commission.

Mayor Tobin opened a public hearing and read state statute references cited by staff, noting the planning commission’s authority under Michigan law. The council then heard more than a dozen public speakers before taking a roll-call vote that resulted in four yes votes and three no votes, passing the ordinance on its third and final reading.

Why it matters: Supporters argued the change corrects a mismatch between current zoning and retail practice and would allow dispensaries to move from isolated industrial sites to visible retail corridors, improving customer access and employee safety. Opponents urged greater voter input and cautioned about placement near neighborhoods and schools.

What supporters said: Michael Horvath, a member of the planning commission, told the council the commission “considered all these aspects,” and said that “as long as it's done appropriately following state laws and local ordinances, that this can be done safely.” Nicholas Sayello, a regional operations manager for Moses Roses, said the current Populous Drive site is “a dark corridor” where employees worry about safety, and that moving to a thoroughfare would improve visibility and morale. Chris Aiello, corporate attorney for Moses Roses, said allowing retail on main corridors “just makes good sound planning and good zoning sense.”

What opponents said: At least one public commenter and several council members said the timing and process were problematic. Richard Kudrak argued a public hearing should occur before the initial vote, saying “the obvious problem tonight is the council has already voted,” and others said the matter was significant enough to return to a public ballot.

The vote: After a brief council discussion and acknowledgment of written communications (one in opposition, two in favor on file), the clerk called the roll. The recorded votes were Baer — Yes; Dupree — Yes; Nichols — Yes; Ross — No; Salcedo — No; Zor — No; Mayor Tobin — Yes. The ordinance passed.

Next steps: The ordinance was adopted at third reading and will be filed as required by applicable city procedures. Site-level approvals and any required planning commission site-plan review must follow state and local separation and siting rules before any relocation or new dispensary opens.

Sources: Public hearing and council discussion at the Jan. 14, 2026 Lincoln Park City Council meeting, including remarks from planning commission member Michael Horvath, Moses Roses representatives Nicholas Sayello and Chris Aiello, and public commenter Richard Kudrak.

Ending: The council moved on to other business after the vote; the ordinance takes effect according to the city's codified rules for ordinance adoption and any subsequent site-plan approvals.