From: K Fetter
To: City Council
Cc: Kathryn Fetter; Jim Fetter; Patti Smith
Subject: Cannabis Dispensaries in Belmont
Date: Monday, April 7, 2025 10:48:43 PM
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Dear Council Members:
I attended the last City Council meeting on March 25, 2025, and bravely got up and spoke against the idea of cannabis dispensaries in Belmont. While some people feel very comfortable speaking in a public forum, I am definitely not one of them, yet I felt so strongly about this subject that I was compelled to say something. Sadly, it was pointless for me to do so because, as I read shortly afterwards, the Council went ahead and approved the rezoning anyway that allows not just one, but two cannabis dispensaries in our neighborhood. I am sure you must realize that the real reason it has taken so long to get this passed is because of the simple fact that most people in Belmont do not want cannabis dispensaries. That is why so many studies and discussions have taken place over the years, it wasn’t just due diligence, and after being rejected by other strong neighborhood organizations, it landed in our backyard, so to speak. In fact, if we walk a couple of blocks down to El Camino, we will have a dispensary to our left, and the other one will be to our right. As I mentioned at the meeting, we unfortunately do not have a neighborhood association, and apparently not a lot of people showed up at the previous Council meeting, but that does not mean that we wanted these dispensaries in our neighborhood! People don’t go to meetings for various reasons, such as work schedules, family commitments, or they just don't think that it would make a difference, as I now feel.
We have lived in Belmont for over 26 years, and chose this city because of the small, peaceful, almost country-like feel that it had. Now we not only have dense housing (I understand this is a mandate), but we will also have cannabis stores with their armed guards and high security. I suppose the security measures are supposed to be reassuring, but it has quite the opposite effect. It completely changes the vibe of Belmont. It was mentioned at the meeting that there was concern for those who “needed” these products being able to access them, but that is ridiculous given that there are five dispensaries in Redwood City, just minutes away! Even if they could not drive there, delivery is available.
If I understand it correctly, Belmont, like any other city, needs money, and is rather desperate to find an income flow, but is this really the best we can do?! People don’t move here for cannabis stores. They want good schools, shops, restaurants, everyday services, parks, and a safe and nurturing place for their families.
I am curious if any of you will be living near either of these dispensaries, but I rather doubt it. I think that if you did, you would probably not welcome it either.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Fetter
1409 Sunnyslope Avenue
From: Giuliano
To: City Council
Subject: The case for reduced demand
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025 11:02:28 PM
When even the folks at governing.com agree that we need to reallocate road space, giving less to cars, maybe y'all will act upon this? It's not enough to agree in general fuzzy terms. Y'all need to actually do something.
states and municipalities need to focus more on the concept of reduced demand.
Also known as disappearing traffic or traffic suppression, reduced demand refers to a phenomenon where decreasing road capacity leads to a decrease in traffic volume ... opting for alternative options such as walking, biking or public transport.
giuliano
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Drive a bike a bit more often and cars a bit less. You'll be healthier and happier, and so will our world.