BONG SHOP PERMIT REVOKED

Neighbouring Business Owners Relieved Blitz 420 Won't Be Opening In
Akinsdale

A store that sells paraphernalia associated with drug use will not be
allowed to open in Appleyard Square.

At a hearing last week several businesses and residents sought to have
the development permit for Blitz 420 revoked. This week the
subdivision and development appeal board ruled in their favour.

"Surrounding businesses will suffer due to the nature of the business
of the developer if the proposed development is allowed. The
developer's business would adversely affect surrounding businesses
financially," the board wrote in its decision, which was released
publicly Thursday.

The board also noted the Akinsdale neighbourhood in which the store
was to be located is "primarily residential, not primarily commercial
in nature." It also cited owner Tim Kaput's own admissions that his
store "sells products for adult consumption" and "conceded that his
products ought to be obscured from public view with frosted glass."

"The developer has advertised expressly that he deals in drug
paraphernalia," the decision states.

Reached by phone, Kaput had little to say about the decision.

"I don't give a s... about that (decision)," he said, declining further
comment before hanging up.

After other tenants of Appleyard Square first started expressing their
concerns in November, Kaput told the Gazette he would not be opening
his store. But business owners still went ahead with their appeal of
his development permit last week. At the hearing, Kaput argued in
favour of allowing his store to open.

"I ask of you people to please see that I'm here to work with you and
compromise to make this work," Kaput told the board in a written submission.

Mayor Nolan Crouse, whom Kaput has threatened to sue over allegations
that Crouse has caused his business to suffer, said he respects the
board's decision.

"They had the information that they needed and they decided not to
allow it to go ahead," Crouse said.

ADW Music owner Robbie Wood, one of the people who appealed Kaput's
permit, was relieved with the decision. He had argued before the
committee that his business would suffer because a majority of his
music students are under the age of 18.

"Obviously I'm happy they've come down on the side of reason," Wood
said. "I'm glad it's over."

"Personally, I think stores like this are not a great impact on any
community. I don't want to be a NIMBY just because it's close to us
and complain about it. I don't feel that these stores have a place
anywhere really," he added.

Jennifer Foo, owner of Xtreme Creations Hair Company, said she's glad
the ordeal is over.

"I'm happy for us. It's a great decision for the neighbourhood. I wish
[Kaput] the best of luck in his future endeavours," she said.

Hearing

The appeal of Kaput's development hearing took place on Dec. 7, more
than six weeks after the smoke shop owner publicly stated he was
pulling his business out of town because of complaints from nearby businesses.

According to the board's written decision, 11 different people spoke
at the meeting. Besides neighbouring businesses and people who came to
defend Kaput, the board also heard from the public, "which was in
attendance in significant numbers."

Seven people spoke against the development permit, with four speaking
in favour, including Kaput. Four people describing themselves as
residents made presentations to the board, with three saying it didn't
belong in the neighbourhood.

Of those who spoke in favour of Kaput's development permit, one had
worked for Kaput, one described himself as Kaput's "confidante" and
another was a local resident.