IN THE NAME OF JESUS
SETTING GOD'S PEOPLE FREE
LUKE 4 19
Glory Io God
MINISTRIES
•
INTERNATIONAL
Dr. Randy C. Brodhagen
Minister of Jesus Christ
December 5, 2023
Skye Daley
Chair, Cathedral City Planning Commission
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Subject: Conditional Use Permit No. 23-003, Application by MFA Architects/ Desert Kush
Dear Mr. Daley:
As a fellow community member since 1979, and Head Pastor of Glory to God Ministries, I am writing this letter to express our unbending opposition to the proposed conditional use permit application by MFA Architects / Desert Kush, Chris McFadden, for the operation of a cannabis dispensary located at 67455 East Palm Canyon Drive.
We oppose the prospective cannabis dispensary due to the location of our church which is situated within 60 feet of the proposed dispensary site. Glory to God ministries has several concerns that emerge in relation to an approval of the proposed facility.
1. Glory to God ministries provides childcare, hosts children's classes and youth group within 600 feet of the proposed facility. While many cities throughout California include churches among their list of "sensitive use properties" in relation to cannabis permitting, Cathedral City did not. Notwithstanding, the spirit of California law related to minimum separation of 600 feet of cannabis facilities related to children applies to any facility that provides children's services.
2. The proximity of the proposed location is not in harmony with existing uses, as required by the City of Cathedral City Ordinance 800.
P.O. BOX 4167 • PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 92263
760 / 321-5222 • FAX: 760 / 969-1934
Web Page: http://glorytogod.org • E-Mail: [email protected]
3. The site plan erroneously indicates that Glory to God ministries will allow ingress- egress through its property. Traffic from the proposed site cannot be controlled by the property owner or lessee, hence will lead to increased safety challenges for people coming to and from the church as well as encroach on private property.
4. To many elderly individuals and families with young children, a cannabis dispensary is not conducive to safety or wellbeing. The presence of such a use in the vicinity of a church has a high likelihood of affecting the church's attendance.
5. Glory to God Ministries provides care to many people coming out of a substance abuse background. The struggles against recidivism of such individuals are well documented. With this high-risk group seeking a safe refuge to worship, fellowship and receive support in their battles, the presence of a cannabis facility less than 60 feet from their place of worship undermines the very nature of ministry and security. Further, it undermines the ability of the church to provide a place of refuge for these individuals thereby diminishing the reasonable execution of ministry operations.
6. Under its 501(c)(3), glory to God Ministries is permitted to operate a school and other children's services. Allowing the proposed use within 600 feet of the church is in direct contrast to the church's entitled uses and operations under its current business structure. Glory to God Ministries will work to ensure that its ability to provide any and all ministry services, now and in the future, under current authorization will remain intact.
7. The church has experienced many problems with individuals utilizing church property for drug use and camping, as documented through the CCPD. A dispensary facility would likely increase the traffic of individuals seeking a place to use the product beyond the control of the property lessee.
8. Glory to God Ministries has concerns about the overall safety of dispensaries in light of a recent incident where a cannabis dispensary in Palm Desert recently burned to the ground due to unknown canisters stored in or near the premises. The proposed dispensary is simply too close to the $7 million church structure.
9. Glory to God Ministries has noted safety concerns regarding criminal activities that specifically aim at dispensaries potentially endangering both our parishioners and their children. Thes include the well documented opposition of drug cartels to the legal cannabis industry.
Glory to God Ministries has been present in the Cathedral City area since 1979, and a partner to the city on many levels. Our organization has always maintained positive relations with the City of Cathedral City, fostering a strong sense of community and being regarded as good neighbors. In fact, the existing building, arguably one of the most architecturally beautiful in the community, was redesigned at the expense of the ministry upon a request by a city official due to its proximity to the city's western gateway.
Glory to God Ministries has contributed to the community and to the city, including providing the CCPD with space at no charge prior to the Police department moving into its current location (see attached letter from Police Chief Kevin Conner).
Additionally, a carpet building on Highway 111 owned by the ministry was sold to the city for their specific purposes. Glory to God Ministries accomplished the transformation of an old nightclub (Bronco Billy's) on Perez Road into a church.
Presently, this building is being utilized by City and County services.
Glory to God Ministries owned property on Highway 111, of which a portion was sold to the city while generously donating another portion to be used for a city park.
We are of the opinion that Glory to God Ministry's 7 million dollar investment in its church building, and in Cathedral City itself as the western gateway of the city, should be considered as it pertains to harmonious property uses in the vicinity. The presence of a cannabis dispensary within only 60 feet of church property will diminish its value and likely deter attendance creating long-lasting negative impacts.
Based on the foregoing, we respectfully request that you deny CUP No. 23-003.
Respectfully,
Whit for
pp: Alberto Franz IT, Director of Security
Dr. Randy C. Brodhagen,
Minister of Jesus Christ
Glory to God Ministries