The undersigned residents of the 49th and 50th Wards recognize the importance of medical marijuana in treating various illnesses, and support the application of Mr. Kingsley for a special-use permit that would allow the opening of the Green Gate Compassion Center (formerly known as 420 Windy City Clinic), a medical marijuana dispensary.

The alderman of the 50th Ward, Debra L. Silverstein, has raised objections to the location on the grounds that it is next to Warren Park, where children play, and that she is "uncomfortable" with the security mandated by law for the dispensary since it is currently a cash-only business.

Mr. Kingsley has said that 24/7 security will be provided by off-duty law enforcement personnel. He has said that he plans to hire residents from within the 49th and 50th Wards, including veterans from the U.S. armed forces and the disabled, to staff the clinic, thus providing much-needed jobs and tax revenues to the 50th Ward and the City of Chicago.

While it is true that banks and credit card companies currently do not accept payment for medical marijuana transactions, we believe that this practice will change as lawful dispensaries prove similar to other businesses in their risk of robbery and burglary. The presence of law enforcement officers 24/7 should, if anything, be a deterrent.

We believe that no harm will be caused to children playing in the park because of the dispensary's location. The dispensary's clients will be patients seeking lawful medical treatment, not recreational drug users. Those patients will have undergone a rigorous screening process before being approved to receive medical marijuana legally prescribed by a licensed physician.

This petition will be presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals at its hearing scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2015, at Chicago's City Hall, City Council chambers.