Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
The struggling city of Lorain could be home to one of ten, big indoor marijuana farms if Ohio voters pass Responsible Ohio's plan to legalize pot.
It would be located on city-owned land in a big, empty industrial park just off a street named for a marijuana-friendly state - Colorado Avenue.
The city spent big money years ago putting in infrastructure for companies that never came.
Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer said, "We have property that has not been developed and we don't see development coming. The city is holding the bag...If this entire deal were executed, we would see everything we spend put back in our coffers."
Ritenauer was sworn to secrecy about what would go on the site until Responsible Ohio released its plans.
Many interviewed in the neighborhood around the site spoke hopefully about a proposal that could bring a couple hundred jobs, paychecks and tax dollars to their city.
Darnell Jones said, "I think it's a good thing. Financially, it's going to be fruitful....they are not going to stop it. You might as well be part of it."
Stephanie Skinner said, "The city is struggling financially with jobs and people. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen."
Tim Arnold said, "Tax it, regulate it. Make some money. Create some jobs."
Camielle Dakdouk runs a drive- through beer, wine and beverage store across the street. He does not see marijuana as competition.
"I'm happy for it...I hope they do great," he said.
Some residents don't think it's appropriate for the city to be a player in this deal.
Neighbor JoAnn Koch said, "Jobs, they can find them better than that..I just don't believe in that drug stuff."
Mayor Ritenauer and the city are not endorsing Responsible Ohio's proposal, believing it needs more study.
But Ritenauer said, "I didn't want the city to be in a position to where it did not realize any economic benefit...As mayor, I need to hire police officers. I need to fix roads, plow streets and cut parks. All of this costs money."
Ritenauer remembered how Lorain lost on a bid to bring a casino there and does not want history to repeat itself.
Ritenauer projects the city could sell its land for around $1 million, collect $200,000 a year in income tax and realized $2 million in marijuana tax if the amendment is passed in November.
Responsible Ohio says its growth facilities could open three to six months after that.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Many Lorain residents have high hopes for marijuana farm
Author: Tom Beres
Contact: webmaster@wkyc.com
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Cleveland news, weather and traffic | Cleveland, Ohio | WKYC.com
It would be located on city-owned land in a big, empty industrial park just off a street named for a marijuana-friendly state - Colorado Avenue.
The city spent big money years ago putting in infrastructure for companies that never came.
Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer said, "We have property that has not been developed and we don't see development coming. The city is holding the bag...If this entire deal were executed, we would see everything we spend put back in our coffers."
Ritenauer was sworn to secrecy about what would go on the site until Responsible Ohio released its plans.
Many interviewed in the neighborhood around the site spoke hopefully about a proposal that could bring a couple hundred jobs, paychecks and tax dollars to their city.
Darnell Jones said, "I think it's a good thing. Financially, it's going to be fruitful....they are not going to stop it. You might as well be part of it."
Stephanie Skinner said, "The city is struggling financially with jobs and people. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen."
Tim Arnold said, "Tax it, regulate it. Make some money. Create some jobs."
Camielle Dakdouk runs a drive- through beer, wine and beverage store across the street. He does not see marijuana as competition.
"I'm happy for it...I hope they do great," he said.
Some residents don't think it's appropriate for the city to be a player in this deal.
Neighbor JoAnn Koch said, "Jobs, they can find them better than that..I just don't believe in that drug stuff."
Mayor Ritenauer and the city are not endorsing Responsible Ohio's proposal, believing it needs more study.
But Ritenauer said, "I didn't want the city to be in a position to where it did not realize any economic benefit...As mayor, I need to hire police officers. I need to fix roads, plow streets and cut parks. All of this costs money."
Ritenauer remembered how Lorain lost on a bid to bring a casino there and does not want history to repeat itself.
Ritenauer projects the city could sell its land for around $1 million, collect $200,000 a year in income tax and realized $2 million in marijuana tax if the amendment is passed in November.
Responsible Ohio says its growth facilities could open three to six months after that.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Many Lorain residents have high hopes for marijuana farm
Author: Tom Beres
Contact: webmaster@wkyc.com
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Cleveland news, weather and traffic | Cleveland, Ohio | WKYC.com
