We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of Trenton, NJ, urgently petition against the proposed establishment of a cannabis dispensary adjacent to the YMCA located on Pennington Avenue. This YMCA facility houses a preschool and daycare, providing critical early childhood education and care services to our community.

 

The ordinance regulating cannabis dispensaries in Trenton clearly stipulates that such establishments must not be located within 750 feet of a school. The YMCA preschool and daycare fulfill the intent and purpose of this ordinance by serving as educational facilities for young children.

 

Allowing a cannabis dispensary to operate in such close proximity to a site dedicated to nurturing and educating children violates the spirit of the ordinance, compromises the safety and well-being of our children, and sets a concerning precedent for community standards.

 

Our Concerns Include:

1. Child Safety and Welfare: The proximity of a cannabis dispensary to an educational and care facility for children raises significant concerns about exposure to inappropriate environments and substances.

2. Violation of Ordinance: Permitting this dispensary would contradict the established zoning regulations designed to protect schools and child-centric facilities.

3. Community Impact: The presence of a cannabis dispensary near a daycare and preschool could negatively affect the perception of the neighborhood, deterring families and community investment.

 

We Call Upon the City Leadership To:

1. Deny the application for a cannabis dispensary at this location.

2. Uphold the 750-foot ordinance as it applies to facilities serving children, such as the YMCA preschool and daycare.

3. Prioritize the safety, well-being, and future of Trenton’s children by ensuring that cannabis dispensaries are situated in locations that do not pose risks to vulnerable populations.

 

By signing this petition, we stand in firm opposition to this proposed dispensary location and urge the City of Trenton to act in the best interest of its residents, particularly its youngest and most vulnerable.