GRANTS PASS – Grants Pass City Councilors directed city staff to conduct a survey of businesses and interested parties regarding restrictions on adult use businesses in the city’s Central Business District (CBD). At their Jan. 6 workshop, council members discussed options regarding the code establishing restrictions which was first enacted in 1994. They agreed to seek input from the community before deciding the future of the code.
The current code established 1,000-foot buffer requirements between adult use businesses and any daycare facilities, libraries, parks, schools, and recreational facilities, as well as 1,000 feet between marijuana businesses. There is a 200-foot buffer between adult use and residential zones.
The code restrictions stand alone in comparison to other cities in the area, said Director of Parks and Community Development Lora Glover.
“We’re pretty unique in this field from the other communities we’ve talked to,” said Glover.
Glover said the city’s Urban Area Planning Commission recommends removing the restrictions from the CBD. Several council members suggested accepting that recommendation, as well as reducing the requirements in other areas of the city.
“I’m in favor of eliminating that buffer in the CBD,” said Councilor DJ Faszer.
Councilors Clint Scherf and Barry Eames both agreed.
Councilor Rick Riker suggested obtaining additional information before making a final decision.
“I want to preserve the area and character of our downtown, while still promoting business opportunities,” said Riker.
Councilor Tyler Flaming supported polling the existing businesses in the CBD to determine the preferences of those who currently create the atmosphere he described as appealing to residents from nearby communities such as Medford and Ashland as a destination for shopping and dining.
“I would hate to go forward to then go backward,” said Flaming.
Glover and her staff will create a survey on the topic to be presented at the city’s quarterly merchant meeting, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, in City Council chambers, 101 NW “A” St., Grants Pass. The meeting agenda also includes discussion on emergency preparedness, the Downtown Master Plan, and the potential formation of a downtown merchant association.
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