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Proposed retail pot shop draws criticism

Comments show opposition to downtown location

A local dispensary’s application to establish a retail marijuana shop in downtown Durango has drawn a few public comments in opposition, and one enthusiastic letter of support from a neighboring bar owner.

The Acceptus Group applied July 1 to establish a retail pot shop at 965½ Main Ave., on the second floor directly above The Jewelry Works.

A public comment period regarding the application ended Friday, and the city of Durango released the comments Wednesday in response to a Durango Herald request.

The Acceptus Group’s application was the only one that didn’t merely seek to co-locate at an existing dispensary. It was also the only application to establish a pot shop in Durango’s busy downtown, which serves as a major tourism draw.

Four comments were submitted in opposition to the proposed downtown pot shop:

“I’m of the opinion that the retail sale of marijuana on Main Avenue would add a dimension that would detract from the existing downtown atmosphere,” said David McAlvany of McAlvany Wealth Management, 858 Main Ave., Suite 201.

“This would have a negative economic impact for existing retailers and would change an otherwise inviting atmosphere for locals and tourists.”

Carol Thomas of Golden, who owns the property at 945 Main Ave., where El Moro Spirits and Tavern is located, said she strongly opposes having a retail marijuana shop in the Central Business District.

“This block was known for all the bars back in the late 1800s,” she said. “Not a good reputation then, and I don’t think that a marijuana shop needs to be in the (Central Business District). After all, it is still illegal nationwide.”

Loren B. Christenfeld, an attorney from Tucson, Arizona, said Main Avenue should be reserved for “traditional retail establishments such as restaurants, apparel and sporting goods, real estate and other professional offices, bookstores and galleries, etc.”

Christenfeld’s letter appeared to misunderstand that the proposed location is for a retail shop, not a medical dispensary. He suggested the pot shop be located near a hospital or pharmacy.

“The operative word in a medical marijuana store is ‘medical,’ Therefore the appropriate location for such a dispensary is near a hospital or pharmacy.”

He added, “Unless the intent is for the marijuana facility to mellow the numerous late-night inebriates on Main Street, a better location would be next to a drug store.”

Richard Byler of Durango registered his opposition succinctly. “As the owner of 940 Main property, we oppose having a marijuana store in our block,” he said.

The only comment to stick up for The Acceptus Group’s application came from Chip Lile, co-owner of El Rancho Tavern at 975 Main Ave.

“We believe that the location is ideal for such a business and complements the block,” he said. “We are more than satisfied with their plans for security and welcome a legitimate retail outlet for such a business in the downtown area.”

Acceptus Group is owned by Adam Gifford and Jason Barker. They operate an Acceptus Group medical dispensary at 555 Rivergate Lane, and a grow facility in Grandview. Gifford did not return an email message seeking comment Wednesday, and Barker could not be reached.

The location of the proposed retail pot shop at 965½ Main Ave. is owned by two Durango business people, Denise L. Elliott and William Whitney.

cslothower@durangoherald.com



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