Proposed cannabis shop for Cobble Hill wrong for community
Cobble Hill is the latest to have an application for a pot shop. In my opinion, the site chosen is in the wrong location. It is proposed to be at the corner of Fisher Road and Cobble Hill Road.
This is an area that has many events that take place. Children and Apple Pie, the Cobble Hill Fair and Remembrance Day ceremonies are a few of them that occur in this area. Evergreen School is just up the road and the children are taken on outings and go right past this site. There are residences nearby with children. Also, whenever this COVID is under control and the weather warms up, open air farmers’ markets are on the grounds of the Cobble Hill Hall. All of these points should negate this application.
Yes, there is a pub in the same general area but it has been there for many years. They are a multi function asset for the community. It is a meeting place and they serve food and offer entertainment. A pot shop is where you just make a purchase of a product and that is all. This is not in keeping with the community. One suggestion for this site is a daycare. That would be a benefit that is more suitable but it would not be the money maker that the owner is looking for.
Usually, there would be a town hall meeting, where those who wish to voice their opinion could do so. Not this time. The meeting will be virtual and this presents a problem. How many people will take the time to sit at their computer or be on the phone for the entire length of time that the meeting goes on? The only other way to voice one’s opinion is to send in a written submission. This will result in a poor turnout and it would not reflect the desire of the community. For example, there are those who have a language barrier and cannot effectively communicate their thoughts. Others, like me, are not up on all this newfangled technology and are left out of the meeting. Personally, I will have to write my objection to this application, even though it is not the best way to communicate. It is hard to put one’s emotions in words thus making your point less effective.
Ed Aiken
Cobble Hill