In case anyone else missed it, the City’s first medical marijuana cultivation center is being looked at for 411 New York Ave NE. The proprietor of this cultivation center, which is allowed 95 plants by law, is Montgomery Blair Sibley. Sibley is a “controversial” attorney and is considering the property along New York Ave NE.
Now, this blog doesn’t usually stray from the RIA corridor unless there is development that could possibly impact the Avenue. I believe this is a case that might have an overall impact on Ward 5 and redevelopment of the culture of our Ward and the Avenue. When you have a supply of something, there needs to be a place to sell that something. In this case, the possibility that dispensaries could start popping up all over Ward 5 and the Avenue are higher in most cases given the proximity to the cultivation center. As in retail, many stores stay in close proximity to its distribution centers to minimize overhead costs and maximize profit and supply. There have not been any dispensaries considered for RIA that I am aware of but it doesn’t mean they are not coming. In addition, as the DCist points out, Ward 5 is already being the “dumping ground” for the rest of the Districts nuisances (i.e. nightclubs, strip clubs).
It also seems that the ANC has not taken a stance on the issue either….in my opinion, I haven’t seen the ANC take a stand against anything lately. Decency, quality, and neighborhood-friendly seem to be trumped by low paying jobs, redevelop to anything types of economic growth in Ward 5 when it is the opposite in nearly every other Ward….which is why we complain but don’t act.
(Photo credit to and from DCist)
