Bay City Commissioners Approve Transforming Simmons Jewelers Building Into Pot Business

On a 5-3 vote Monday, February 17, Bay City Commissioners approved licenses to operate a medical marijuana provisioning center and retail facility in the former Simmons Jewelers on 208 Center Ave. pending a final inspection.

Plans include developing both the lower and upper levels of the building with possibly upstairs apartments by year’s end. Initial estimates were that approximately $1 million would be needed to cover redevelopment costs. Opponents felt the operation was inappropriate in a downtown location.