PSA! Belmont city proposing to allow cannabis retail and distribution along El Camino.

What’s happening

Belmont city announced a public hearing on Jun 7th for a proposal to allow cannabis retail and distribution along El Camino. A previous proposal to bring this to Carlmont Village shopping center was rejected. I am posting here to raise awareness as this may impact those who live in Downtown Belmont.

How this may impact you

1. There will be increased usage of cannabis and possibly other drugs as a result in neighborhoods near these stores. This will result in increased exposure to second hand smoke and undesirable smells. This is not only bad for you, but also for the many kids and teens in these neighborhoods. I do not want my kids to grow up around these influences.
2. Cannabis stores are common targets for crime. Stores in Oakland and San Francisco are frequently robbed. Criminal reactivity will inevitably increase in neighborhoods near these stores. This endangers families living in Downtown Belmont. Let us preserve the peaceful atmosphere of Belmont.
3. There will be increased traffic and shortage of parking if these stores are established on El Camino. There are currently no measures to mitigate these issues and will degrade commuting experience for those who rely on El Camino / Ralston and also worsen parking situation for residents of Downtown Belmont.

What you can do to stop it

1. Sign this petition
2. Attend public hearing on Tue June 7th via Zoom (Visit https://belmont-gov.zoom.us/ Select ‘Join’ and enter meeting ID 968 6972 2514)
   1. Alternatively, attend this meeting in person at Belmont City Hall (1 Twin Pines Ln, Belmont, CA 94002)
3. Email cdev@belmont.gov to voice your concern. See below for an optional email template you could use.
4. Tell your neighbors

Email template

To whom it may concern,
 Thank you for taking the time to read my comment on the proposed BZO and Basemap Amendments - Commercial Cannabis Overlay Zones.


I STRONGLY OPPOSE the proposed overlay zone amendments. There are many growing families near El Camino that would be negatively impacted by the existence of cannabis retail and distribution sites.

My concerns are listed below:

1/ There will be increased usage of cannabis and possibly other drugs as a result in neighborhoods near these stores. This will result in increased exposure to second hand smoke and undesirable smells. This is not only bad for you, but also for the many kids and teens in these neighborhoods. I do not want my kids to grow up around these influences.

2/ Cannabis stores are common targets for crime. Stores in Oakland and San Francisco are frequently robbed. Criminal reactivity will inevitably increase in neighborhoods near these stores. This endangers families living in Downtown Belmont.

3/ There will be increased traffic and shortage of parking if these stores are established on El Camino. There are currently no measures to mitigate these issues and will degrade commuting experience for those who rely on El Camino / Ralston and also worsen parking situation for residents of Downtown Belmont.

We understand the need for increased revenue via. taxation of these cannabis businesses. However, while this proposal may bring the city of Belmont more money in the short term, it will be at the huge sacrifice of Belmont residents. We strongly oppose this zone amendment and urge the council to seriously consider some alternative options.

Best, XXX