EDITOR:

Thank you to the Escanaba Planning Commission for issuing a moratorium on pot shops for a moment. Thank you, also, to Dial Enterprises, the owners of the mall.

There is no cap on how many pot shops can be in the city, unlike liquor licenses. What could possibly go wrong with that?

Initially there was to be a buffer zone around schools, churches, and libraries of 1,000 feet proposed by the state. The planning commission agreed with this 1,000 feet, which would have protected most of downtown. Our city council, however, wanted a buffer of just 500 feet so they made a compromise of 750 feet. Way to look out for the citizens, city council.

If the driving force is money, are you sure we should sacrifice our community standards, safety, and livability for a few dollars more? We already have numerous job vacancies. I’m sure a little more pot smoking will really motivate people to fill those jobs.

I was very pleased to hear that Hudson’s would not become a pot shop because of easement problems. The city council really did not consider that there would be more traffic problems in the mall area with two pot shops on the same block in one of the most highly congested intersections in the U.P.?

Thank God our city council has not yet chased away Hobby Lobby and Marshalls. I’ve heard people say Hobby Lobby is arrogant for demanding pot shops stay away from their customers coming in and out of the store. I say the pot shops are incredibly arrogant (as well as the city council) to bulldoze through the agreements and buffers and wishes of the residents for money. We do not want to change our community standards.

When I called Tyler Anthony of the Escanaba Planning Commission, he suggested I call the senior VP of real estate for Hobby Lobby. Kelli Van Ginhoven suggested the same thing at the Planning Commission meeting. However, it is our city council that is giving us problems, not Hobby Lobby; that was very clear with their agreed upon lease of 1,000 feet away.

You must have a better way to hear the voice of the residents and taxpayers. Notices are frequently distributed door-to-door and via Facebook regarding boiling water notices. So I know you can reach the citizens for their opinions, maybe through email, door handle notices, online surveys or mailings.

It is inevitable that things are changing. Rather pro or con, let’s take this slow and let the community be heard.

Irma Boudreau

Escanaba