Here’s one disease marijuana can’t treat: Westwood’s image crisis. In fact, marijuana is its biggest symptom. Take a drive down Westwood Boulevard. Pretty bleak, isn’t it?
Empty storefronts stare out from both sides, some of which have been collecting dust for years. The Mann Festival Theater has dropped its curtains for the last time. And a few months ago, the valuable corner building on Westwood and Broxton was vacated only to be occupied by a seasonal Halloween costume supply store.
There are also four marijuana dispensaries and two medical cannabis doctors’ offices within a square mile.
This board believes that the strong presence of the medical marijuana industry in our community could discourage a variety of businesses from locating in Westwood. Can you imagine a day care, a pediatrician’s office, or a high-end restaurant locating near Westwood Caregivers on Le Conte, which sports a large, glowing marijuana leaf on the storefront?
And though these dispensaries may occupy otherwise vacant spaces, this board believes that their uncertain legal status makes them an unwise investment. The 2007 moratorium on new cannabis dispensaries still stands. Dispensaries that have opened after the moratorium was passed have exploited a “hardship” exemption, which allows businesses to remain open until their exemption request is voted on by the city council. The council rejected at least 28 such requests in July. These dispensaries were told to cease operations or face a fine. Westwood’s new dispensaries fall under the same category, which puts them at the same risk of closure.
While cannabis dispensaries serve a legitimate medical function, four within a square mile is excessive.
We understand that the economic downturn is forcing landlords into making these stark choices. Cannabis dispensaries pay rent just like any other business. The real culprit is the poor business climate, made worse by the lack of organization and cooperation between community stakeholders.
Westwood desperately needs a forum for coordinated action.
Residents don’t want their kids playing hopscotch next to a cannabis dispensary. Landlords don’t want temporary or controversial tenants. Students want a wider variety of social options. Business owners want more customers. There has to be an intersection of interests somewhere in this web of disparate desires. The board encourages stakeholders within the community ““ be they residents, landlords, students or business owners ““ to discuss their respective priorities and find common ground.
It doesn’t matter if we call it a neighborhood council or a homeowner’s association as long as the organization exists to acknowledge a shared fate. We’ve all sat on the sidelines while Westwood has fallen into disrepair. These are the consequences we must face for our complacency. The path to community health will ultimately begin with a renewed concern for the community ““ one that we all have yet to make.