After reading the July 2 article in the Item on the latest marijuana store in Ward 6, I thought it was important to write to offer an alternative view on the issue.
For the record, I also attended the community meeting. I have attended most community meetings for marijuana retail stores proposed and approved in Ward 6. In 2017, I clearly remember Councilor Capano’s strong opposition to situating most of these stores in Ward 6.
Currently, four recreational marijuana stores have opened or are planning to open in Ward 6. This is 50 percent of all marijuana stores that will open in Lynn. Stores in Ward 6 will be located at 491 Lynnway, Pleasant and Broad streets, 953 Western Ave., and 696 Western Ave.
The recently-approved store on Broad and Pleasant streets is only a half mile from the 491 Lynnway store already in operation. How does it make sense to clump these stores so close together?
In fact, all the stores in West Lynn and Ward 6 are all less than a mile from each other. Other stores will be located on Oxford Street, Mt. Vernon Street, and Western Avenue and Chestnut Street.
I am not opposed to these stores opening because it is the law, but locating six marijuana retail stores all in a small geographical area, mostly Ward 6, doesn’t make sense.
For the city to maximize the financial benefits through tax revenues and creative host agreements, these stores should be spread out geographically throughout the city to ensure a broad customer base, thus increasing sales and benefits for Lynn. Ward 6 cannot be the dumping ground for retail marijuana stores.
When elected as the Ward 6 councilor, I promise to not support any further marijuana stores in Ward 6.
Donald J. Castle
Lynn
