We the undersigned oppose the application and approval of a recreational dispensary, Blue Violets Dispensary, going into the ground floor of 628 Washington Street.  The proposed dispensary would be located across the street from two schools, Hoboken Charter School and All Saints Episcopal Day School.  The purpose of the petition is to notify the Hoboken Planning Board and our elected officials that the city should abide by their own ordinance that requires dispensaries to be outside of 600 feet of schools.

The city officials have allowed Blue Violets application to go forward due to a technicality.  This application was submitted to the city prior to the 600 ft ordinance going into effect, hence “grandfathering” in this application based upon outdated regulations.  The city recognizes that putting a dispensary within 600 feet of a school is deemed irresponsible, yet they are allowing it to happen anyway.

Some of the common concerns of proposed dispensary locations in Hoboken include additional traffic, double parking, increased pedestrian traffic, queuing outside the dispensary, loading/unloading of products, and the security necessary for a cash-based business.  While Blue Violets has addressed these concerns, the truth of the matter is the city and the dispensary owners have no idea how dispensaries are going to affect our community.  The town is entering unchartered waters and experimenting with a dispensary across the street from two schools defies common sense.

The city has put an ordinance in place prohibiting a cannabis dispensary from opening within 600 feet of a school.  By putting this ordinance in place, the city has recognized that a dispensary so close in proximity to a school isn’t in the best interest of the school community.  The city needs to put the well-being of the teachers, administrators, parents, and children above Blue Violets' desire to open at 628 Washington Street. 

RELATED PETITION:  Hoboken residents oppose the Story Dispensary which will occupy the residential area of 14th and Hudson, the old Hudson Tavern location. Click here to learn more.  https://chng.it/85KPrsKBRV

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