cannabisnews.com: Mayor Hinders Opening Of North Coast NORML Store





Mayor Hinders Opening Of North Coast NORML Store
Posted by FoM on January 02, 2000 at 07:42:31 PT
NORML's Weekly Update News - Dec. 30th, 1999
Source: NORML
  Ravenna, OH: North Coast NORML's attempt to open a hemp store in Ravenna's historic downtown district has been sidelined by the city's mayor, who has admitted he "may be infringing on [NORML's] Constitutional rights." Ravenna Mayor Paul Jones said he is "doing this for the safety of Ravenna." 
  The shop would be selling hemp clothing, jewelry, NORML logo products and books.   The mayor is forcing North Coast NORML Director John Hartman to seek approval from both the zoning and planning commissions. The planning commission, which is headed by the mayor, can hold-up the approval process for up to six months if they choose, Hartman said.   North Coast NORML has rented the store front since September. Hartman said he is unaware of any laws or regulations which would preclude a hemp product store from opening in the historic district which already features a diverse array of businesses.  Since there was previously a business at the same location, Hartman says they should not have to obtain zoning commission approval, and because they did not change the physical structure of the building, they should not have to obtain the planning commission's approval.   In another move to block the store's opening, the mayor is also asking for the social security number of anyone involved in the store. As the city's safety director, he is asserting the right to obtain background checks on potential retailers.   Jones has also tabled North Coast NORML's request for an occupancy permit and a second sign proposal. "We are being singled-out by the mayor based on the politics of marijuana legalization," Hartman said. "We are obviously considering legal action."   For more information, please contact John Hartman of North Coast NORML at (216) 521-9333. Related Articles & Web Site:Northcoast NORMLhttp://www.timesoft.com/ncnorml/index.htmlCity Fights Plans for Store Run by MJ Legalizers - 12/27/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread4112.shtmlCannabis News NORML Articles:http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtmlNORML's News Bulletinhttp://www.norml.org/news/index.shtml
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Comment #1 posted by greenfox on January 02, 2000 at 08:59:49 PT
Crazy Politics
Remember folks, it's not what you do or how you do it, but who's political background you step on. Once again we see a case of a perfectly legal and legitimite business being pushed around by politics simply because the business involves cannabis and cannabis related issues. John is a hard working person who is commited to not only running a normal shop, but doing it fairly and legaly. This can already be seen in the *exsisting* store in Lakewood. There are no bongs or pipes there, yet individuals of age (no children are allowed in the store without a parent) can go in and find informitive books, posters, clothing, and even hemp articles (the non-psycoactive cousin to cannabis sativa l). All in all, please support your local chapter and together we can stomp out the political tyranies of the modern age. :) -gf
Northcoast norml's website
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