Should Red Wing partner with the Prairie Island Indian Community to sell recreational marijuana in the vacant Bauer Building in the heart of the West End business district? The City Council is working on this issue and is seeking input from residents, business owners, local law enforcement, and anyone else with an opinion sooner rather than later.
The city has owned the building since 2020. Under the proposed deal, the building would be renovated with taxpayer funds. Prairie Island would then lease part of the building as a cannabis dispensary, operate it there, and split the profits 50-50 with the city.
With minimal public input, the City Council has already sent a letter of support to the Prairie Island Tribal Council, but warns that the letter does not commit the city to anything. (Think about it). Meanwhile, the issue is still being debated at Tribal Council. But they have made it clear that they intend to be the first to jump into the lucrative cannabis business, whether Red Wing participates or not. To that end, Prairie Island is already growing cannabis on property on the city's west side.
Before councils decide to jump further into the cannabis bandwagon, several important issues should be considered. for example:
Should the city get into the cannabis business amid potential competition from private entities that may want to open their own dispensaries in the future?
In the future, the state could issue up to 20 licenses for marijuana distribution in Red Wing – a very “Wild West” scenario. Although it is highly unlikely that Red Wing would or could support this many pharmacies, the proposed partnership with Prairie Island addresses the fundamental question of whether local governments should compete more with the private sector. is being raised.
Why focus only on Pharmacy Bauer Building?
After almost five years of zero income, the Bauer Building clearly needs to be re-entered into the tax bracket. But why should taxpayers pay for expensive renovations when there are other spaces worth considering? Wouldn't the city be better off marketing the Bauer Building more aggressively to private developers who would pay for it?
Would a cannabis dispensary fit into the family-friendly character of the West End business district?
The decision to move forward will have long-term implications for existing businesses and residents in the city's rapidly growing areas – many of whom likely won't have their properties considered. The people who live, work and do business there need their opinions to be considered.
What about parking and traffic hassles for people using West End restaurants and other businesses?
Free parking in front of the Bauer Building helps ease the severe parking shortage in the neighborhood. Once the pharmacy is up and running, it's easy to imagine that long lines of cars will clog Old West Main and parking will once again become an issue. Does the City Council have a plan to move things forward and make parking available for everyone?
It may sound like I'm a skeptic, but I am. Bottom line – Council needs to seriously dot its I’s and cross all its T’s before moving forward. And give local residents time and opportunity to have their opinions heard.
Well, what do you think?
When you see the “Mayor in Action” sign at 327 Third Street, please feel free to stop by and share your ideas and opinions.
Or, email me anytime at mike.wilson@ci.red-wing.mn.us.
Remember, if it's important to you, it's important to me too.
Don’t forget to talk to Mike” (KCUE Radio)
Listen to “A Conversation With Mike” on KCUE Radio 1250 on the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 9am. This is a live interview. Call and ask, I'll answer. Agenda items will also be shared at City Council meetings held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
