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Public commenters ask parks commission to review proposed Title 17 cannabis zoning changes near parks
Summary
Two public commenters urged the commission to place proposed Title 17 cannabis zoning changes on a future agenda, arguing the changes would allow cannabis businesses closer to parks and youth programs; commissioners said planning commission may be the appropriate forum and staff would follow up.
Two members of the public used the meeting's public-comment period to press the commission to agendize proposed Title 17 cannabis zoning changes that they say weaken buffers between cannabis businesses and parks.
"Staff and council seek to put drugs next to parks and youth center programs," Carla said, urging the commission to publicly discuss the city's proposed changes and to oppose weakening protections that keep cannabis businesses away from youth-serving sites. Carla also cited a recent local armed robbery at a cannabis business that she said escalated into a deadly shooting to underline public-safety concerns.
A 9-year-old speaker, Zeus, addressed the commission directly: "I like swimming and playing baseball... I'm asking the parks community enrichment commission to please discuss the city's new cannabis zoning changes at a future meeting. This commission is supposed to protect kids like me." Zeus asked the commission to think about children's safety and neighborhood impacts.
Commissioners responded that the planning commission typically handles zoning matters and that staff would determine the appropriate forum for further discussion, but they said they would talk with staff to identify whether and how the parks commission should be involved given proximity impacts to parks and youth programs.
