The special public hearing on a new z
oning ordinance for Martin Township has been rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4.
The meeting, originally announced as being scheduled for Monday, Dec. 14, was moved at first to Thursday, Dec. 17, but another conflict arose and it had to be postponed until Jan. 4.
The special hearing has been prompted by the presence of the CDXX Boutique on 124th Avenue in downtown Shelbyville at the former post office building. CDXX Boutique is a combination “head shop” and site for marijuana exchange between licensed growers and patients.
Township officials have asserted CDXX Boutique is operating in violation of a zoning ordinance and they have a moratorium on businesses that dispense marijuana. The township is considering adopting an ordinance forbidding dispensaries, but the Planning Commission in October recommended against such action on a 4-2 vote.
CDXX Boutique co-owners Jerry Dan Patrick and Lisa Edwards have insisted their shop does not dispense marijuana, but instead offers a place for legal patients and growers to exchange the substance safely and they use a barter 
system and accept donations.
Township Attorney Jeff Sluggett told the Planning Commission that the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act permits growers and patients to exchange in their homes under specified conditions.
Professional Code Inspections issued CDXX a citation, which resulted in a court appearance in Allegan. A judge ruled in September the shop could remain open until the matter is resolved. The Planning Commission then held a public hearing, attended by at least three dozen supporters and in October, four of the seven commissioners voted against recommending to the Township Board the ordinance be adopted.
Since then the attorney representing CDXX has offered the township the opprtunity to assess an application fee of $1,000 and an annual $5,000 licensing fee under an alternative proposed ordinance.
The meeting will be held at the Martin Townhip Hall, 980 Templeton, in downtown Martin.
