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Entrepreneurs interested in purchasing the “MINNDOT LOT” on main street in Taylors Falls have basically stayed on the sidelines for years – that is until recreational adult use cannabis became legal in Minnesota.  The proximity of Taylors Falls to what developers look at as a clamoring Wisconsin market, now makes investment in Taylors Falls much more attractive.  One buyer hoping to acquire the parcel, Aaron Boshart of Cannabis and Glass or “C&G” explained at this week’s city council meeting his experience has been that locating cannabis retail shops on border sites is very lucrative for this industry.  C&G has outlets or “dispensaries” in Oregon and Iowa and is hoping for a projected five sites max in Minnesota.  

Boshart had the most-prepared and detailed presentation of the three MINNDOT LOT presentations on this week’s council agenda.  He also assured Taylors Falls the company is “well capitalized” and has a state license pre-approval as a social equity licensee (veteran). Boshart said he could break ground in 2025 and open a new building by 2026.  This is contingent on soils and any potential remediation that might arise.  Size of the structure would be an estimate, with space roughed in depending on interest generated by possible leasees.  The cannabis dispensary would be the project “anchor.”

The second plan came from Roger Vanelli.  

He said he is part of a “family owned” cannabis enterprise Beeswax, and has a micro-license shop in process now in the city of Gem Lake.  He said his original concept for Taylors Falls included a “temporary” dispensary license until he could acquire and redevelop the Springs Inn site. The motel burned while this was being worked on, however, but he told council he is still interested in the Springs Inn parcel.  His future concept would entail residential (condos for example) and is more complex than just a cannabis retail operation, so Vanelli commented that he’d even be open to joining in on another presenter in the meantime.

This could be local resident Scott Sheahan, who gave the third presentation.  

His profession is “mergers and acquisitions” he told council; but having lived in the area for a few years he sees opportunity to use the main street lot for a restaurant, organic foods (co-op) and wine market and to bring “epicurean” cannabis offerings to town.  He agrees that the cannabis buyer creates economic activity year-round.  He said he aims for high end consumers and not just the cheapest most potent marijuana experience. He assured council his intention is not to put the one current licensee (low dose hemp right now) Buck Duncan, at The Bridge, out of business.  Sheahan’s business plan will complement the existing downtown situation and the site plan includes a new lot for free public parking.  

City council members have recently been reviewing real estate plans in closed sessions, due to what they felt was proprietary information. This week was the first time proposals came into the sunshine. And when citizens could voice opinions in public for the first time.  

Also, Zoning Administrator Elizabeth Haas explained neither the project nor land sale advances without a series of public hearings. This is not a done deal, “it is a process” she stressed.

It is time for a decision on adding another cannabis licensee,  and Monday this week council chambers were standing room only.  In order to sell this lot, generate (cannabis) tax revenue and an infusion of economic activity, the big decision for council is:  will Taylors Falls support more than the one cannabis license holder in town?        

Council member Carol Schumann would be a no vote on making additional licenses available.  She stated she prefers to wait and see how recreational cannabis in town shakes out,  and added, “I hear from people we need other things.”

Council member Robert Bayer said, “...we had to look at” these proposals because the lot purchases were put forward contingent on license availability.  

Bayer then questioned Vannelli on reports he was associated with products elsewhere that exceeded the THC content limits imposed on retail items.  Vannelli said they weren’t even fined,  blaming a confused laboratory testing process.  “This was managed instantly,” he added and said his associates continue to work well with the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).

Boshart was asked by Bayer about a lawsuit Boshart’s company filed against the state seeking a court ruling on OCM denial of early applications.  According to Boshart the application issue is a complex legal question first sought to be addressed in the form of an injunction, which is no longer desired.  Any court related hold-up has been “worked through” with the OCM but the lawsuit docket number is still on the court calendar, Boshart explained.

Council member Tim Grote did not state being for or against more licensees, but said he wants the “best use” of the city owned lot.  The council has no control regarding private property but has a say in the MINNDOT lot.  He said council allowed the one license to see how it goes and it is simpler to expand than restrict licenses. 

He continued,  “...there’s a reason (people) are not investing in Taylors Falls” and when council finally sees proposals it’s a big deal.  

Mayor Brandon Weiberg said the council has a lot to ponder and stressed the need for citizens to contact members of council with their thoughts. 

The decision to accept an offer and the license action will be on the council's May 19 meeting agenda.

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