Stillwater denies cannabis shop near rec center
The Stillwater City Council on Nov. 5 denied permits for two adult‑use cannabis retailers — including one at 1754 Washington Ave. near the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center and another near Chesterton Academy — while approving a third location. Council debate focused on how Minnesota’s buffer rules apply, including whether the recreation center is a 'public park attraction' regularly used by minors and how to measure distance; the city attorney said Curio Dance does not meet the state definition of a school for the 1,000‑ft buffer.
📌 Key Facts
- Council denied two cannabis retail permits and approved one on Nov. 5, 2025.
- The contentious site: 1754 Washington Ave., near St. Croix Valley Recreation Center/LumberYard Hockey Sports Center; distance options discussed were 715 ft, 775 ft, and 290 ft depending on reference points.
- City Attorney Korine Land said Curio Dance is not a 'school' under state law; Minnesota law also allows a 500‑ft buffer from park attractions regularly used by minors.