PLACES PROPOSED FOR POT: SEVEN HILLS AND GOLD FLAT AREAS

Seven Hills and the Gold Flat industrial area are the two
neighborhoods being considered to become the possible homes for a
medical marijuana dispensary in Nevada City.

After months of debate, City Council members will consider an
ordinance Wednesday night to allow the dispensaries, but some people
expressed doubt such operations would benefit their businesses nearby.

When contacted Monday, several people who work in both the Seven Hills
Business District and the Gold Flat industrial park said they had no
idea city officials were considering their areas for a dispensary.

In addition, Nevada County District Attorney Cliff Newell has
forwarded a seven-page letter supporting a moratorium on medical
marijuana dispensaries in the unincorporated areas.

I wouldn't want a dispensary here," said Joseph Festersen, co-owner of
Common Goals, an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility on
Zion Street.

I'm totally against it," agreed Bob Troyer, who has worked at Riebes
Auto Parts on Searls Avenue for six years. "I don't think it will hurt
business, but I don't think it will help us."

People from two other offices -- the Friendship Club, a mentoring group
for at-risk teenage girls, and High Country Tek, both in the Gold Flat
area -- also were unaware, even though a city staff report indicates
both areas might not be appropriate for a dispensary.

The Seven Hills Business District, an area that includes the SPD
market, auto repair shops and other retail establishments on Nevada
City's southern edge, is zoned for local businesses. The Gold Flat
industrial park, east of Highway 20/49 and less visible, is home to a
veterinarian's office, the Friendship Club, a charter school home
study program and other businesses and agencies.

While both are zoned for local business, both also have schools
nearby, which may make them unsuitable for a dispensary, city staff
wrote in a report to the council. Seven Hills is home to three of five
public schools in the city, though several blocks from the business
district.

A draft ordinance, crafted by council members Sally Harris and Barbara
Coffman, allows a dispensary only in the Seven Hills Business District
and the Gold Flat industrial zone. It also mandates a dispensary be at
least 500 feet from school or park property, and at least 200 feet
from a residential zone.

The ordinance also bars employment of people younger than 18; and
recommends an electronically monitored buzzer system to enter the
building, use of security personnel and entry only with a medical
marijuana identification card. The facility's restroom also would
remain locked and under control of management.

Use of cannabis, its cultivation and selling of paraphernalia on the
premises would be banned. The city would have the right to revoke the
operator's permit, pending a hearing before the City Council.

The ordinance was crafted based on ordinances in Atascadero and Palm
Springs, Harris said.