NILES TOWNSHIP — Not a chair in the Niles Township hall was empty Wednesday morning as more than 50 residents packed the room to share their opinions on a proposal to opt out of recreational marijuana business.

The meeting marked the first reading of the proposal, which would prohibit marijuana industry in the township, and did not call for a vote from township trustees. Municipal leaders will host a public forum on the topic to garner more feedback at 6 p.m. May 20 at the township hall, 320 Bell Road. Following the discussion, township leaders could vote on the issue.

Township trustee Terry Eull said township leaders wanted to opt out for the time being so that they could wait for the state to finalize laws on recreational marijuana.

“How do we approve something and then come down and find out we do not like any of the rules?” Eull said. “I personally think we should go by the vote of the township, which approved medical marijuana and recreational.”

Neighboring municipalities have taken the same approach, Eull said.

The majority of residents who attended the meeting, however, expressed concerns that the township could be closing itself off to business opportunities and negating the wishes of constituents. Of the roughly 16 who spoke, there were 15 opposed to opting out, and some called for the township to table the proposal until they had the information they needed.

Madelyn Patterson, the owner of the Doggie Drive Thru, encouraged the township to consider possible revenue benefits. 

“It is not a question of whether you like weed or you don’t like weed — that’s done with,” Patterson said. “Now we are talking about big money, more money than I ever saw in the first 17 years of life at my business. To access anything like Niles or Buchanan, you have to go through our township. I am not one to stand through the years to watch the business just drive by.”

Others said they could see the industry transforming blighted sections of the township’s commercial district along S. 11th Street, which has seen several businesses close. 

Matt Johnson, the owner of Lush Lighting in Belle Plaza, said he had written and created his own opt-in ordinance, which he suggested township trustees use as a guideline. He added that anyone approved for business by the township would have to follow state rules.

“We are not just giving a blanket right to just go and start selling marijuana,” Johnson said. “They will have to wait till they get a state license … that will have all the safety, precautions and rules.”

Debra Nielsen, of Niles Township, said that Wednesday’s discussion was primarily focused on what money the industry could bring when there were other factors to take into account.

“I understand the need for the money in the community. My concern is that is the biggest consideration over safety and the crime that it is going to bring,” Nielsen said. “All I’m hearing is money. That should not be the biggest consideration.”

Several in the audience scoffed loudly at her comments.

Renae Johnson, Matt’s wife and fellow business owner at Lush Lighting, said legalizing recreational marijuana could prevent black market drug dealers from thriving.

“It’s actually going to help with crime,” Renae said. “A lot of this is being done under the table. If it is not under the table, it is brought out in the light, and it’s regulated, and there’s a lot less crime.”

William Haas, of Niles Township, said he is the owner of a cannabis consulting firm. Haas noted the number of marijuana businesses interested in Buchanan.

“I’ve not seen so much business in Buchanan since I was a little kid,” Haas said.  “For you guys to opt out would be saddening to this community. As the township, you guys have a right to limit the amount and what you allow in here. Start small. Start with the microbusinesses.”

Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey was among those who attended the meeting Wednesday. Bailey advised that the township wait for the state release official laws.

“You have to make sure you have all the information from the state,” Bailey said. “The state is giving you all the rules before you start making ordinances.”

Many residents who spoke said they have to drive several hours to gain access to medical marijuana. Bailey said with several stores planned in Buchanan already, residents would not have to drive far.

Trustee Chris Vella praised those who attended for sharing their thoughts.

“I appreciate a respectful atmosphere and respectful discussion and everybody listening to everybody,” Vella said.