Since 1854 — News from Montcalm County and Ionia County, Michigan

By Cory Smith | on August 27, 2022

The former Ponderosa building at 1015 N. Lafayette St. in Greenville, owned by Zhen Li of Wyoming, has been proposed to be turned into a medical marijuana provisioning center by Zhen’s son Jackie Li and nephew Ricky Li, which would be known as Brisk Cannabis. — DN Photo | Cory Smith

GREENVILLE — When Zhen Li purchased the former Greenville Ponderosa building in 2015, he had high hopes he’d eventually find a tenant.

Ricky Li, right, speaks to members of the Greenville Planning Commission on Thursday on a proposal presented by he and his cousin and fellow R&J Greenville LLC owner, Jackie Li, left, to turn the former Ponderosa building, owned by Ricky’s uncle and Jackie’s father, Zhen Li, center, into a medical marijuana provisioning center to be known as Brisk Cannabis. — DN Photo | Cory Smith

Now seven years later, a proposal for the building at 1015 N. Lafayette St. has finally come forward — a medical marijuana provisioning center. 

During Thursday’s meeting of the Greenville Planning Commission, Zhen’s son, Jackie Li, and nephew, Ricky Li — owners of R&J Greenville LLC — presented a preliminary site plan to transform the building into a provisioning center, to be known as “Brisk Cannabis,” which was followed by a public hearing considering their application.

As the co-founders, both Jackie and Ricky said they are excited to partner in their new business venture together, utilizing Zhen’s property. While the owners are from the Grand Rapids area, Ricky said it is their mission as a company to become invested in the community while attempting to open their business. 

“I’m very excited,” Ricky told the Daily News. “We have a passion for the industry and we’re also trying to start something on our own. I believe if we’re going to lay our foundation here in Greenville, we need to be a part of the community as well. So we’re excited to meet everybody here and get acclimated.” 

If approved by the Planning Commission, it will be the first time the building will be open for commerce in more than a decade since Ponderosa closed its doors in December 2011. When Ponderosa first opened in 1982, the restaurant offered up a coveted dine-in experience and buffet. I

It’s a day Planning Commission Vice Chairman Greg VanderMark remembers well, as at the time, he was the manager of the restaurant upon its opening. 

Now that the building is being considered for a new use, VanderMark told the Daily News it’s pleasing to see a business owner looking to revitalize the old building. 

“It’s definitely time that the standards of that building come up to par,” he said. “It’s been run down, dilapidated and this business is probably a good fit for that building I think. It’s a bit nostalgic. The trees that are out in front there, I picked those trees out. Some of the design features of that building, I was actually included in that.” 

In evaluating the site plan, members of the commission saw no major flaws, aside from asking that drainage on the property be addressed.

Greenville Planning Commissioner Doug McFadden, left, asks a question pertaining to a site plan proposal from R&J Greenville LLC to turn the former Ponderosa building into a new medical marijuana provisioning center during Thursday’s meeting, as fellow commissioner and Greenville City Council Liaison Larry Moss listens. — DN Photo | Cory Smith

City Planner Andy Moore of Williams & Works identified two areas of need to be addressed before the commission considers approving a final site plan. 

“A more detailed landscaping plan is needed that illustrates compliance with the zoning ordinance,” he said. “Further, there is room for additional landscaping on the northern edge of the northeasterly parking area, adjacent to the Rent-A-Center, that could be added.”

“The parking lot is in very poor condition and the Planning Commission should require that it be repaved, as it appears to be beyond repair,” he continued. “In addition, at least three landscaped islands/peninsulas are also needed to create a more pleasing environment.”

Ricky and Jackie say they are more than willing to meet the requirements. 

“The current plan is to resurface the parking lot and add landscape islands throughout the lot,” Ricky said. “In the front yard area we will be adding a few more canopy trees — four on the north end and one on the south end. With existing hedges alongside the front windows of the building, we’ll make sure to trim that up, take care of it and really make it look decorative. We’ll be adding flowers and fresh mulch to create a more inviting atmosphere for our customers.” 

In addition to a complete renovation of the interior of the building, Ricky said the exterior will also receive a facelift. 

“The front walls will be replaced by cement board panels,” he said. “There will be existing shingles that also will be replaced by a metal roof system. There will be a metal canopy installed above the front entrance.” 

In addressing the drainage and requirements for curb and gutter, Ricky said they will continue to evaluate that situation so runoff water properly makes its way to the city’s stormwater system and not onto adjacent properties. 

Commissioners were pleased with the general design that Ricky proposed. 

“I did take a look around in the drizzle today and reviewed your material proposal for the outside of the building,” Commissioner Doug McFadden said. “It looks like it’s very much in compliance with Wendy’s across the street and Rent A Center next door. it looks like it fits in quite well.” 

“I’m largely pleased with what you’ve presented tonight,” Commissioner and City Council Liaison Larry Moss added.

Commission Chairman David Ralph said the next step in the process, potentially being final site plan approval, will occur when the applicants feel they are prepared and have met all the conditions. 

“Your application is largely in compliance and we appreciate the detail and effort that you put forth,” he said. “You have the opportunity to meet with the Planning Commission informally to once again review and confirm you’ve met the standards as defined, before you get the opportunity to submit for final site plan approval, once you’ve met those conditions. We’ll leave that to your discretion.” 

The Planning Commission was also scheduled to hold a public hearing for Cross Country Enterprises II for that company’s proposal for a medical marijuana provisioning center at the former Mobile Audio building at 600 N. Lafayette St., but the company asked that the commission postpone the hearing until Oct. 27. 

Currently, the Commission is considering three proposals for medical marijuana provisioning centers in the city’s new “North Lafayette District,” which include Brisk Cannabis, Cross Country and Green Medicine Shop at 500 N. Lafayette Street. 

At this time, commercial sale of adult-use (recreational) marijuana is still prohibited in the city, with the city only accepting applications for medical marijuana provisioning centers after that industry was approved by the Greenville City Council earlier this year.

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