Dear People, I am writing to add my knowledge to the discussion on whether the permit should be given to the marijuana store in Florence Center. A recent article points out there are 12 stores selling marijuana in Northampton. This is enough for everyone in Northampton to be able to get their product. It is common sense, moral, and considerate of the needs of the community as a whole to not put one in Florence right at the corner where Community Support Options is located. This location for CSO contributes to the community by stabilizing the community with mental health and substance abuse services. To put a marijuana store there would undermine what they do as well as undermine the welfare of the neighborhood. If people from the hilltowns come to Northampton for their marijuana they can go a little further for their product. This is a very important decision to be made that will impact the future or Florence greatly.
Prudence L. Benjamin
Amherst