Approval granted for new cannabis business’s site plan

The Sturgis Planning Commission unanimously approved a site plan for a potential cannabis product retail store on Tuesday. EAC Industries LLC officials presented the request to renovate and improve the property located at 1640 S. Centerville Road, formerly known as Retail Warehouse, with the intention of converting it into a retail cannabis establishment.

This property was previously considered for a cannabis-based business back in 2022, but plans fell through. Now, a new business, Haze Sturgis, is moving forward with the project. The developers plan to add parking, update the storm water management network, potentially expand the existing building, and install fencing along the east and south boundaries to prevent trespassing from nearby Walmart to South Centerville Road.

During the planning commission meeting, it was emphasized that the business would focus solely on retail sales, with no on-site growing or pre-production activities. Before a primary building permit can be issued, the city has approved a permit for the demolition of a residential building at 1680 South Centerville Road.

Additionally, the developers must secure approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation for existing driveway openings onto South Centerville Road before a building permit can be issued. Commissioner Buddy Denman was absent from the meeting.