Apartments, Marijuana Dispensaries, and more from Hancock

The historic 116 Quincy Street Building in Hancock may get another chance at being saved. The building has sat empty since a tragic fire did considerable damage to the interior and claimed the lives of four people in 2009. The city considered demolishing the building last year but now that fate appears to have been avoided.

Real Estate Developer Mike Lahti bought the property earlier this month and has proposed a plan to begin renovations immediately, starting with the roof. The Council voted to move ahead on an application to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for a grant of $320,000.

The money would help transform the site into an apartment building that would have eight units available to rent.

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The City of Hancock is proposing an ordinance to regulate controlled substance dispensaries within its city limits. The City Council discussed the proposal at its’ monthly meeting.

The ordinance would prohibit anyone who is not a state recognized Practitioner from dispensing, selling, or distributing controlled substances to another person within one thousand feet of school property or within 500 feet of church property.

Violators could face up to a hundred dollar fine or be jailed for up to 90 days for each violation. A public hearing on the matter was scheduled for December 21st at 7pm.

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Hancock City Mayor William Laitila and Mayor Pro-Tem James Hainault will serve their city for at least one more year. At the city council meeting last night, nominations were taken for both positions. Only Laitila and Hainault were nominated and their election by the council was unanimous.

Mayor Laitila expressed his appreciation for another year to the council and thanked Mayor Pro-Tem Hainault for his hard work as well.