pages: PlanningBoard/2019-03-11.pdf, 6
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PlanningBoard | 2019-03-11 | 6 | the location was suggested to the applicant by city staff. She said the martial arts center next door to the proposed location meets the definition of a youth center. Linda Asbury, representing WABA, said the good neighbor policy being implemented by the applicant will make them a good addition to Webster St. She asked that the board support the permit. Ryan Agabao said he fully supports the use permit. He said businesses were enthusiastic that a new business will be bringing people to Webster St. He brought a petition of business owners, managers, and residents that support the business. Rosalinda Fortuna submitted signatures from merchants that are opposed to the dispensary. She said the business is not good because of the children in the area, lack of parking, and would lead to impaired people crashing their cars, and increased crime. She said there has not been adequate notice about the proposal. Joanna Lau, manager of the Chi Institute, said they oppose the location of the business because it does not respect the needed buffer for a youth center. She submitted petitions of people opposed to the dispensary. She asked if there would be more police on Webster in response to this business. She said they do not want to see lines outside, and worried that this business would send the wrong message to children. Anthony Germono said his children attend the martial arts school next door to the proposed facility. He said this is the wrong location for this business. He asked the members to stand up for his and other children. Rasheed Shabazz said the zoning decisions did not meet the equity guidelines in the ordinance. He worried that the location was chosen because the mosque and martial arts school might be the path of least resistance because they do not have the same political power as other groups. He said the area has been historically subjected to the war on drugs and now other people who were not subjected are poised to profit from cannabis legalization. Cass, a neighbor, said she is concerned about double parking and would like to see the business address this problem. She said the location is highly trafficked by children and there are more appropriate spots along Webster that should be zoned for this use. Regina Hall said that cannabis is safer than alcohol. She said a dispensary is safer than a liquor store. She said that the parents are responsible for protecting their children and regulating will help control access to cannabis. There were no more speakers. President Sullivan closed the public hearing. Approved Planning Board Minutes Page 6 of 10 March 11, 2019 | PlanningBoard/2019-03-11.pdf |