Site of a proposed marijuana dispensary in Mt. Airy (Photo: Google Maps)

by Brendan Sample

In a statement issued to residents of Pennsylvania’s 200th Legislative District, State Rep. Chris Rabb indicated his opposition to the location of a proposed marijuana dispensary in Mt. Airy. Terra Vida Holistic Centers is currently planning to open the dispensary at 8319 Stenton Ave. pending the approval of an operation license from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The dispensary has already received a zoning permit from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, but the DoH is not expected to grant its own licenses until the end of the month.

While Rabb supports legalizing cannabis, provided it is regulated and taxed, it is the specific location with which Rabb and other Mt. Airy residents take issue. There are concerns about parking and traffic issues that the dispensary could create, and some residents have claimed that it is too close to a daycare on 915 East Mt. Airy Avenue.

“I have been in touch with law enforcement in Northwest Philadelphia to ensure that we collaborate in the best interest of our neighborhoods in light of related issues of crime and violence,” said Rabb in his statement.

City Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, who is also opposed to the location of the dispensary, is still set to appeal the decision in a formal hearing. While the hearing had previously been set for June 21, Solomon Leach, a spokesman for Parker’s office, confirmed that it is now in the process of being changed with a specific date and time to be determined.

Brendan Sample can be reached at brendan@chestnuthilllocal.com