Jason Kolkema is seeking support for a medical marijuana growing facility (to rent to a third party) and dispensary per new bills signed by Gov. Snyder that allow expansion of facility types, and assign licensing schemes to them similar to liquor licensing. There was a lot of discussion on education of the bills, moral impacts, village infrastructure and perception of our community. Of note, this facility is proposed to be located at 135 Third Street (the main street) in the village. This location is just over 1400 feet from the high school. It is proposed to be the first of its kind pending further legislation, which would potentially draw from the entire area.

Our group has formed to present opposition to this ordinance request. We feel the proposed location would present negative effects to the current residents.

1. Increased traffic flow

2. Environmental impacts (smells, fertilizer toxins, etc.)

3. Property values decrease.

In thinking further into the future if the ballot proposal in 2018 passes Michigan will legalize marijuana for recreational use. If this happens this facility can be easily converted into a "Pot Shop". The impacts of this would be.

1. Heavily increased traffic flow

2. Increased crime

3. Increased vagrancy/panhandling

4. Easy access to sell to school children

While this group is no opposed to a dispensary in Fruitport Township we believe it would better serve the community in a more business and less residential area.

We ask that only residents of the Village of Fruitport and Fruitport Township over the age of 18 sign this petition.

For validation purposes we ask that you put under the comments section if you are a village or township resident.