Zoning change for smoke shops considered

At the Aug. 7 Maricopa City Council work session, council members will discuss whether to make changes to the zoning requirements for businesses such as smoke shops.

“The presentation will be informational and staff will be seeking council direction on how, or if, to proceed with modifying the city’s zoning codes that apply to this, and possibly other, business types,” City Manager Brenda Fischer said.

In January, a smoke shop called The Smoker’s Edge opened in the Maricopa Manor Business Center. There is a preschool, a dance school and a church in the business center, which is owned by Vice Mayor Edward Farrell.

While the location of the shop drew the ire of Karen Hensley, owner and director of Bright Minds Preschool, another business in the center, Puppy Love Pet Stylist, has no problem with the store, which sells tobacco, cigars and hookahs and glass smoking pipes.

Hensley said she is concerned the store sells drug paraphernalia and attracts a shady clientele.

“There is a conflict between a preschool and a business that sells drug paraphernalia,” she said. “I don’t think these two types of businesses should be in close proximity.”