NILES TWP, Mich. (WSBT) -- More dispensaries could be coming to Southwest Michigan, this time in Niles Township.

Niles Township voters approved the opening of 4 dispensaries in a part of the Township back in November.

On Monday the Niles Township Board voted in favor, taking the first steps towards the voter's wishes.

The ballot had a minimum of 4 dispensaries within a mile and a half stretch of M-51, but allowed the board to vote on the maximum.

So, the Niles Township Board voted for a maximum of 4 dispensaries.

The designated area for the 4 allowed dispensaries is on M-51 from Fulkerson Road to the state line.

A ballot proposal to allow the shops anywhere in the district two years ago, though, was rejected by voters.

This election, it passed, with many crediting the confined area, along with limiting the allowed border regulations to where you can build within it.

Other local stations reported that the stores can't be within 500 feet of a place of worship, but Niles Charter Township Supervisor Marge Durm-Hiatt told WSBT 22 that wasn't the case.

"No that is not true. We voted that down yesterday. We voted 500 feet from any existing schools," said Durm-Hiatt.

There are two schools that could impact the placing: Brandywine and Merritt elementary schools.

Durm-Hiatt also spoke about why 4 seems to be the magic number.

"We don't want to become a New Buffalo where there is 17 of them and all of these properties that are being purchased and businesses are going out that have been here for a long time because they're offered a lot of money for the property," said Durm-Hiatt.

Durm-Hiatt said she personally thinks 4 may be too limiting of a number because narrowing down the demand could be a challenge.

"New Buffalo had 45 applications, and they were basically unlimited, but with limiting it to 4, it's going to be tricky because I'm sure we're going to have 10 plus applications," said Durm-Hiatt.

Durm-Hiatt added these dispensaries could also impact others to the north because of the proximity to the state line.

But some say it's crucial for them to come to this area.

"Yes, and especially with all of the drama going on downtown with all of the traffic mess, I think it will eliminate at least a good percentage of that," said Krystal Williams, a worker at a nearby by business.

Durm-Hiatt said the number of dispensaries is not set in stone and could change at Monday's Township Board meeting.