Mancos locals opposed to marijuana dispensary LivWell’s change of location to the former Millwood Junction building intend to hold a protest Saturday afternoon.
Beginning at noon, protesters plan to gather on the property of the former Bomdiggity store, adjacent to LivWell’s current location.
The Mancos Town Board approved LivWell’s move to the historic building Jan. 27. According to board members, the company met all legal and permitting requirements required by statute. Some members of the Mancos community voiced their objections to the move at the Board of Trustees meeting Jan. 27.
Of concern at Jan. 27 meeting was the business’ proximity to nearby Boyle Park. Municipal statute dictates that a marijuana dispensary cannot be within 500 feet of a park. The board approved LivWell’s location based on a measurement by Town Administrator Heather Alvarez and Marshal Justin Goodall, as well as a measurement from licensed surveyor SGM. SGM has been used by the town for past surveys.
Protest organizer Hannah Vanmeter intends to circulate a petition calling for another survey that would be free of perceived biases. She also believes that a dispensary should not be “on the cornerstone of Mancos,” but acknowledges that she will have to accept the move if LivWell meets all legal requirements.
Mancos resident Pat Janz also objects to the board’s decision.
“We miss that building, and we don’t want it to become another pot shop.”
LivWell general counsel Anna Hatch told The Journal that it is disappointing that the move has caused such controversy.
“LivWell has been a part of Mancos since 2015. We love being part of the community. From everything we have seen, it’s been a mutually beneficial relationship,” Hatch said. “While we respect their right to protest and them being upset with moving to the Millwood Junction building, this location does meet all of the requirements of Mancos setbacks for the location of dispensaries.”
anicotera@the-journal.com