Cannabis dispensaries in Belmont

If iron gates, 44 cameras plus on-site security, no loitering, police audits, a building remodel that blocks all windows (at least at the Sumac restaurant site according to the rendered illustration), just what type of customers and/or trouble are they anticipating?

Is that type of extremely tight security suppose to make me feel safe? I fear the opposite effect. When going to such an establishment, I’d likely feel like a suspect not to be trusted and would therefore find another way to purchase the product I desire. Another point: To cover their additional costs for this added security, taxes and charity, their price mark-ups will have to be significantly higher, which of course the consumers will pay at the cash register. As for the additional charitable contributions they promise, does any other business in Belmont have to promise charitable contributions to conduct business? If not, isn’t that just some sort of legalized kick-back scheme?

I understand the need of a city to generate income to pay for city services, but I don’t see how two additional businesses that require so much additional oversight and security will add much value to the city of Belmont.

Jim Fetter

Belmont