Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Political opposition could derail a medical marijuana dispensary slated to open early next year in Philadelphia's East Mount Airy neighborhood.
A zoning hearing is set for Tuesday morning that could force East Mount Airy's TerraVida Holistic Centers dispensary to fold before it opens.
In March, the city granted a zoning permit to TerraVida to operate on the 8300 block of Stenton Avenue at Allens Lane. In June, the state Department of Health awarded the company a highly-coveted license to sell cannabis-derived oils, tinctures, and lotions at the former bank building, which sits on a commercial corridor that includes a small strip mall, two gas stations, and a Rite Aid pharmacy. Only four dispensary permits were slated for the state's most populous city, though more could be added.
Local politicians, however, have lined up against it. The charge has been led by Ninth District Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker, who maintains that since the neighborhood is densely residential overall, the zoning permit was issued in error. Parker has been joined by State Sen. Art Haywood (Fourth District), and State Rep. Christopher M. Rabb (District 200). On Monday, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, of the adjacent Eighth District, issued a statement announcing she was also "strongly opposed."
"What is new is also unknown," Bass said. "Will it attract unwanted elements to a neighborhood? How could having a drug dispensary in a residential community exacerbate crime, traffic, litter, and blight? These are all questions I have posed, along with my Mount Airy constituents. They are impossible to answer, because a medical marijuana dispensary has never existed in Philadelphia."
Bass said the dispensary should be placed close to an existing medical facility.
If Tuesday's appeal is successful, the Zoning Board of Adjustments could order the City to revoke the permit, said Mayor Kenney's spokeswoman Lauren Hitt.
TerraVida's president, Christine Visco, said she's in a bind. The building is under an agreement of sale, TerraVida is obligated to buy it for $500,000, and the company is prohibited from using the license to open in another space.
"We have no choice but to open at that location," Visco said."The state Department of Health made it very clear that no one can move."
The hearing is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. Tuesday at the Zoning Board of Adjustment, 1515 Arch Street on the 18th floor.
The zoning board could order the City to revoke its permit.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Politicians line up against proposed Philly marijuana dispensary
Author: Sam Wood
Contact: Contact Us - philly.com
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Website: Philadelphia local news, sports, jobs, cars, homes - Philly.com
A zoning hearing is set for Tuesday morning that could force East Mount Airy's TerraVida Holistic Centers dispensary to fold before it opens.
In March, the city granted a zoning permit to TerraVida to operate on the 8300 block of Stenton Avenue at Allens Lane. In June, the state Department of Health awarded the company a highly-coveted license to sell cannabis-derived oils, tinctures, and lotions at the former bank building, which sits on a commercial corridor that includes a small strip mall, two gas stations, and a Rite Aid pharmacy. Only four dispensary permits were slated for the state's most populous city, though more could be added.
Local politicians, however, have lined up against it. The charge has been led by Ninth District Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker, who maintains that since the neighborhood is densely residential overall, the zoning permit was issued in error. Parker has been joined by State Sen. Art Haywood (Fourth District), and State Rep. Christopher M. Rabb (District 200). On Monday, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, of the adjacent Eighth District, issued a statement announcing she was also "strongly opposed."
"What is new is also unknown," Bass said. "Will it attract unwanted elements to a neighborhood? How could having a drug dispensary in a residential community exacerbate crime, traffic, litter, and blight? These are all questions I have posed, along with my Mount Airy constituents. They are impossible to answer, because a medical marijuana dispensary has never existed in Philadelphia."
Bass said the dispensary should be placed close to an existing medical facility.
If Tuesday's appeal is successful, the Zoning Board of Adjustments could order the City to revoke the permit, said Mayor Kenney's spokeswoman Lauren Hitt.
TerraVida's president, Christine Visco, said she's in a bind. The building is under an agreement of sale, TerraVida is obligated to buy it for $500,000, and the company is prohibited from using the license to open in another space.
"We have no choice but to open at that location," Visco said."The state Department of Health made it very clear that no one can move."
The hearing is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. Tuesday at the Zoning Board of Adjustment, 1515 Arch Street on the 18th floor.
The zoning board could order the City to revoke its permit.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Politicians line up against proposed Philly marijuana dispensary
Author: Sam Wood
Contact: Contact Us - philly.com
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Website: Philadelphia local news, sports, jobs, cars, homes - Philly.com
