Members of the Westland Planning Commission approved the plans for a retail marijuana shop on Inkster Road during their April 6 meeting.
The proposed business will be located at 8475 Inkster Road between Ann Arbor Trail and Joy Road and would include a lot to the south of the address where a vacant building now sits. Plans for the retail facility include a 3,000 square foot building as allowed under current Westland city ordinances.
Attorney Noah Harfouch told the planning commissioners that his clients hope “to be a benefit and asset to the community” during his presentation of the site plan.
Peter Simakas, the owner of a group home along Inkster Road near the proposed new retail shop told commissioners that he was not in favor of the proposal as the clients of his business were handicapped individuals. “I don't think it's a good mix,” he said.
His objections were countered by Commissioner David Rappaport who explained that the sale of marijuana is legal in Michigan and that any disturbances at the site would be a matter for the police and not the planning commission.
This is the second plan for a marijuana business approved by the planning commission. A site plan for a location on Cherry Hill near Newburgh Road was approved last month.
The recommendation from the commission now goes to the members of the city council for consideration and a final decision.
