DES PERES, Mo. (KMOV) – Voters in the city of Des Peres will now decide in November of 2024 on whether to prohibit recreational marijuana dispensaries in the city.
They appear to be the first municipality in St. Louis County, and possibly the state, to do so.
The Board of Aldermen voted 5-0 to put the issue on the ballot but decided to wait to decide the more controversial issue of approving zoning for the single pot shop in town.
Root 66 is currently licensed medically but has yet to open. Their ownership is seeking zoning requirements to allow the business off of Manchester Road to open, but many at the meeting urged the Board not to approve the zoning.
While many municipalities approved zoning for recreational facilities months ago, the issue has been a hot topic in Des Peres.
Many fear that Root 66 will open next to the ‘Mathnasium,’ a math tutoring business for kids, and near single-family residences.
“This is a business wanting to come in, it feels more like they’re barging in,” said Jean Fluri, a Des Peres resident.
Dan Welsh, a lawyer representing Root 66, said even the zoning proposal Des Peres is considering could be considered “unduly burdensome,” as they have