City Councilman Jesse Kurtz said there were more than 1,100 signatures on a petition opposing the expansion of the green zone. Kurtz opposes a larger, city-wide cannabis district.
Organizers are calling on Lance Landgraf, and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to reject the expansion of the cannabis/weed zone into Chelsea Heights, and Lower Chelsea.
“We are not against recreational marijuana,” conveys Councilman George Tibbitt.
“We just want the original Green Zone honored. We want to keep these businesses away from residential neighborhoods and places of worship.”
It is time to stop this runaway train of cannabis/weed expansion before it destroys the dreams of middle class homeowners having drug-free neighborhoods.
CRDA approval is required before changes to the cannabis/weed zone can take effect.
Atlantic City Mayor Playing Race Card?
The Mayor challenged opponents of the expansion on council.
Mayor Marty Small: “What you have are two council people who think that everything is good on one side of the city and it’s not good on the other side of the city. Now make that make sense”.
Councilman Kurtz pushed back on Small’s racist remarks. “I resent any type of racial undertones to the argument. It comes down to neighborhoods that are family friendly,” he said.
Kurtz opposes expanding cannabis businesses into any residential area, citing Bungalow Park, Lower Chelsea, Venice Park and Chelsea Heights.
Jesse Kurtz: Mayor Marty Small’s push for weed shops in every neighborhood is out of control.
Kurtz: We need to respect the wishes of Chelsea Heights residents who oppose having weed shops in their neighborhood and not abuse political power to force them to have it.
Why does Marty Small harbor animosity towards the 5th and 6th ward?
Small has been a staunch supporter of BLM, DEI and Defund The Police movements. The AC Mayor avoided questions about lack of police presence in both Chelsea and Lower Chelsea, two neighborhoods in Atlantic City that are relatively quiet, safe and family-friendly.
Public safety experts claim that the Atlantic City Police Dept is short at least 50 to 75 patrol officers. Why is that?
When was the last time you saw an ACPD police car in Lower Chelsea?
How will ACPD handle DUI ? Are they prepared to test for driving under the influence of cannabis? Consumption lounges will create ‘high’ drivers. One drink not likely to seriously affect driving skills, but smoking cannabis certainly will. ACPD needs to address that valid concern.
Social Media Comment: CRDA meetings should be held inside a much larger, AC council chamber. Live ZOOM video is already up and running in that sizable room. CRDA’s Butler, Scheffler and Landgraf need to be more transparent with residents. To date, they have failed miserably.
Small was met by angry, vocal neighbors in the audience. Parents especially are fed up with his disregard for public safety and common sense.
Mayor Marty Small and his wife were recently charged with physically abusing their teenage daughter.
Time to push them out. Landgraf should also be out. Ventnor families need to also push back on Lower Chelsea push. Otherwise, you’ll see this coming down the road to a neighborhood near you. Smalls is an absolute crook and disregards family friendly needs and wants. Let’s hope he gets arrested on those latest charges.
The board needs to reconsider this green zone expansion in the Chelsea heights section of Atlantic city.
Why do you think we barely need cops in this area. Because this is a good neighborhood and family-friendly.
Now, look at the other side of town. More police presence is needed there because more crime happens there and one of the main reasons could be because of marijuana.
Reminder to those parents on the board, put children first.