Bates Area Civic Association

Bates Area Civic Association, Inc.

Washington, DC 20001

 Resolution

In opposition of Venture City Dispensary’s application License Application to Operate a Medical Marijuana Dispensary 1334 North Capitol ST NW, Washington, DC 20002.

TO:  ANC 5C

Washington, DC

WHEREAS, the Bates Area Civic Association, Inc. is a community non-profit organization representing the residents of the community within the boundaries of North Capitol Street on the east, New Jersey Avenue on the west, Florida Avenue on the north and P  Street on the south ; and

WHEREAS, this small geographic area is saturated with liquor stores, social service programs, transitional housing, homeless kitchens, abandoned properties; and

WHEREAS, the Bates Area Civic Association serves as a liaison between the residents of this community, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 5C, the City Council and the District of Columbia Government on quality of life issues including: economic development, public safety, and human development; and.

WHEREAS, the issuing of a licenses to operate a medical marijuana dispensary in this already saturated neighborhood would be irresponsible and in disregard to the public safety of the residents within the boundaries of the Bates Area Civic Association and surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, this saturation of businesses allows for a high percentage of violent crimes and property crimes, endangering the safety of visitors, residents, local businesses,  preventing economic development of the North Capitol Street corridor; and

WHEREAS, many of the individuals who loiter under the influence of alcohol/drugs are transients who receive social services in the area, including meals at So Others May Eat (SOME), possess substance abuse and behavioral problems; and

WHEREAS, between April 18, 2011 and April 17, 2012, the following crimes have taken place within 1500 feet of 1334 N. Capitol Street NW: 3 homicides, 6 sex abuse, 113 robberies excluding gun, Assaults with Dangerous Weapons Excluding Gun, 11 Assault Dangerous Weapon Gun, 31 Burglaries, 91 Thefts, 136 Thefts from Auto, 38 Stolen Auto ; and

WHEREAS, addition to medical marijuana dispensary at close proximity to the existing services on the North Capitol Street corridor would jeopardize the safety of the clients in need of medical marijuana and would most likely contribute to on an increase in violent crimes and property crimes; and        

NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, on this 2^nd day of May, 2012:

1)  That the Bates Area Civic Association, through a special vote , voted, with an overwhelming majority to oppose  the  application of Venture City Dispensary for a license to operate a medical marijuana dispensary at 1334 North Capitol Street, N.W.; and

3)  That, in the interest of the public safety of our community, the Bates Area Civic Association recommends and requests that the 5C ANC oppose the pending liquor license application of Venture City Dispensary.

Respectfully submitted,

Geovani A. Bonilla

President, Bates Area Civic Association, Inc.

Cc:       Chief Cathy Lanier

            5^th District Metropolitan Police Commander, Andrew Solberg

            Council Chair, Kwame Brown

            5C01 Commissioner, Bradley Thomas

            5C02 Commissioner, Sylvia Pinkney

            5C ANC Chair, Ronnie Edwards

Enclosure: April 18, 2011 – April 17, 2012 Crime Statistics