Since this issue has broader implications for other communities, you are encouraged to sign this petition regardless of where you live.

On March 8th, 2022, the Alpena Planning Commission met to consider a Special Land Use Permit for a Recreational Adult Use Marijuana Establishment to be located at 427 W. Campbell Street in Alpena, MI 49707. After listening to the concerns of their citizens, they rightfully voted 6-1 to deny the permit. But now, for reasons that are yet unknown, a very rare "Rehearing" has been scheduled for April 12th at 6:00pm at City Hall (208 N. First Ave.).

At the March 8th meeting the Commission received a petition from a number of residents and listened to multiple citizens express their concerns that this location was far too close to multiple family properties on the edge of a densely populated neighborhood with many young children. 

The property is directly adjacent to four single family residential properties. The building itself is about 10-12 feet away from three properties and about 40 feet away from the fourth. It is approximately 15 feet away from one of those houses. That would put this building fifteen times closer to a residential property than any of the four existing MedsCafe Establishments in Michigan. It would also put it seven times closer to a residential property than the existing Recreational Adult Use Marijuana Establishment that is already within a five minute walk of the Campbell Street location.

Such a placement would be incompatible with the principles of City Ordinance No. 22-470 which demonstrates the need to maintain reasonable buffers between these unique businesses and those areas where children are often present.

It would also be incompatible with the stated purpose of City Ordinance No. 21-467 which is to, "Protect residential neighborhoods by limiting the location and concentration" of these types of facilities. It also fails to abide by the legislative intent of the Ordinance which "is to be construed to protect the public over medical marihuana facility and adult use establishment interests."

The Planning Commission overwhelmingly made the right decision to deny this permit the first time. This location will always be inherently incompatible with the immediate neighborhood, and yet a "Rehearing" has been scheduled for April 12th at 6:00pm. 

Reversing this decision would be an irresponsible violation of the trust which the citizens of this community have placed in their public servants, and it would set a harmful precedent for future placements in Alpena and our surrounding communities. 

This decision may affect us all. So please take a moment to let our officials know what you think about this by signing our petition to deny the Special Land Use Permit for a Recreational Adult Use Marijuana Establishment at 427 W. Campbell St., Alpena, MI 49707.