The City Council on Monday gave initial approval to an ordinance that caps the number of grows and stores.
Councilmembers who opposed the ordinance did so because it didn’t go far enough. Councilman Albus Brooks noted that certain poor neighborhoods in north Denver bear the brunt of the industry’s impact.
"As hard as everyone has worked on this bill, at the end of the day we’re adding to that," Brooks said. "I just can’t support it."
He was referring to pending applications, which will be allowed, despite the new restrictions. The bill’s sponsor, Councilwoman Robin Kniech, countered that those business applications were already pending before this bill was drafted.
"It’s simply not accurate to say this bill is adding any facilities to these communities," she said. "Those facilities were on their way."
After failing last Monday, Kniech was able to muster enough votes this time, in part, by slightly reducing the number of grow facilities in the city through attrition.
The bill still must pass a second reading next week.
