Another Friday

I have been sitting here staring at a blank screen trying to get my fingers to work at pounding the keys to hammer out something.  There seems to be a disconnect between the thought process and the physical act. Anyway, let's give it a try.

Tying up a lose end or two ... 

I just think the whole issue relative to the pot plants, both organic and physical growing facilities, along with dispensaries is quite frankly silly. 

If you are a community without zoning or very limited zoning, well heck, maybe you might be a bit concerned.  You also should be considering why proper zoning is a plus to have in the first place.

The greatest unknown on the zoning front appears to be the classification of the facilities under existing zoning and/or how they would be judicially determined.

Because of this if you have zoning, might there be a need to tweak it a bit.  Sure, there could be. My nickle's worth on this one, the growing to be regulated in an industrial zone.  Any independent dispensary to be regulated to business zone only.  Just add another line or two to the code.  Maybe three or four, we don't want to forget about any fees we can toss in there.

The state regs. have the limits about "x" amount of feet away from schools, etc.  

Want a pretty good zoning re., just steal the one from the Town of Dennis.  Use a bit of white-out here and there and presto, you have a good zoning reg.  

Spare us all the "not in my town" because that can't be prevented.  You can argue not too close to schools, residences and similar places, and that the 500 feet under the state re. is too close, however, I am not sure just how far away you can get away with, but quiet frankly how much more onerous will such a facility be than probably any other legal facility that could be located within 500 feet?

Speaking of my town, let's get back to the town administrator concept.  One confusion that needs to be repeatedly addressed is the fear that the "Department" of Public Works would disappear.  Highway, water and sewer divisions aren't going to go away.  The superintendent which oversees the three divisions isn't going to go away.

If the elected board disappears, what are the drawbacks.  The oft cited main drawback is the loss of constituent services.  Whether that is truly a loss or not depends I suppose on what constituent services should and should not entail.

As time goes on, as potential recommendations are put forth, I am sure this vital concern will come to the forefront.  I am positive we will see the great debate involve exactly what constituent services should and should not be.

Quite frankly, that is the only real potential drawback.  From my perspective anyway. In all honesty, again in my honest opinion, the existence of it has many drawbacks to the constituency in its entirety. 

Plenty of time to sort through that one though.  So no need to tie a knot (not?) on that end of the rope yet.

Always plenty of time. Except for right now that is.  

Be safe.