Concerns after Cannabis Permit Meeting
I am concerned that our Oakmont community will not be well served by a Cannabis establishment – why not?
Unsafe for all Oakmont residents
‣ Access to Dispensary requires U-turn at White Oak and Oakmont Drive
- Intersection is hub of our community –three banks, a market, a restaurant, three real estate offices, medical, dental and administration offices located here. The Berger has numerous activities and the CAC houses the library, fitness center, coffee cart and Lawn Bowling greens.
- Intersection accommodates many walkers with and without dogs, in wheelchairs and with walkers. Oakmont Garden Apartments are located right behind the proposed store.
‣ Speeding is currently an issue in Oakmont. Increased non-community traffic will exacerbate this situation and impacts all residents, whether walking or driving
Assigned City Planners seem to be unaware of Oakmont community and impact of a Dispensary in Oakmont
- Both planners and applicant seemed unaware of the intersection and increased traffic impact to the community
- A Dispensary retail store impacts our entire community, yet only those residents living in a 400 ft area around the proposed project were notified by mail (city requirements). This Dispensary affects ALL residents. The applicant said he wanted to be a ‘good steward’ of the community. No ‘good steward’ would ignore the opinion of the entire community if their proposed project affects all residents in the community. ALL residents should be notified by mail.
Will the Report from the Planners to the Planning Department be accurate? I fear not. Why not?
- I am not confident the planners know and understand our Oakmont community
- Planners did not seem to understand the White Oak and Oakmont intersection issues
- Planner Ann Welsh’s review at end of meeting omitted important comments/questions from residents. Some were:
‣ OVA Board unanimous statement of opposition to the dispensary citing numerous reasons read by Director Klyn was not included in the review – attendees asked for it’s inclusion
‣ Attendees asked that future meetings regarding this proposed dispensary be held either in Oakmont or during the day so more residents could attend – no response from planners
‣ Mail notification to all residents was requested. Response from planners: “City requires noticing within 400 ft of proposed project.” Attendees asked if applicant would agree to notify entire community. His answer: “I have done what has been required”
‣ Attendee question asked: “Where are other cannabis dispensary permit applications near Oakmont?” Planners answer: “We (planners) only looked into Santa Rosa City applications.” Note: Oakmont is on the Eastern border, so attendees asked to be informed of countywide applications)
‣ No attendees using cannabis for medical reasons felt underserved – delivery options are available
I urge all residents who oppose permit approval for this dispensary, write to all the following:
All BoD Directors:
Bod.steve.spanier@gmail.com, Bod.tom.kendrick@gmail.com, Bod.heidi.klyn@gmail.com, Bod.carolyn.bettencourt@gmail.com, Bod.greg.goodwin@gmail.com, Bod.marianne.neufeld@gmail.com, Bod.al.medeiros@gmail.com
City Planners:
awelsh@srcity.org, dguhin@srcity.org, atrippel@srcity.org, chartman@srcity.org
Lynda, it is indeed alarming to read the response of Santa Rosa planners to neighborhood concerns. Thanks for your insightful reporting of what happened at the meeting. It appears that Santa Rosa planners are trivializing the issues brought before them by the community. They seem not even to be reading correspondence. On May 6 I sent an e-mail to A Welsh requesting that I be notified if the dispensary permit is issued despite neighborhood opposition. I am aware that there is only a small window of time for the those opposed to the project to appeal. The e-mail which I sent to Ms Welsh was solely devoted to the notification issue yet her reply was “Your request for denial of the project will be noted in the record.”
Given Permission to post two very positive and supportive replies from Steve Spanier, President of the OVA Board of Directors.
Hi Donna,
We’re pulling out all the stops on this one. In addition to encouraging letters, a petition effort to begin today and our appearance at the pre-application meeting where Heidi spoke on behalf of a united board against this and all other cannabis businesses in Oakmont, I believe the OVA will be represented at all future city meetings as well. They know we’re here; that’s for sure!
Steve
OK. You may also want to add that – Kevin and I are planning to attend the Cannabis Policy Subcommittee meeting at the city this Thursday at 9 AM.