Pubdate: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 Source: Maple Ridge News (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Maple Ridge News Contact: http://www.mapleridgenews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1328 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n857/a04.html Author: Carol Greer MOVE BONG SHOP TO MAYOR'S YARD Editor, The News: Re: Hemporium shut down (The News, Sept. 10). I have just finished reading your article on the shut down of the Hemporium in downtown Maple Ridge. As a Maple Ridge resident, I support much of the work that the district is doing to try to clean up the downtown area. However, I cannot believe that Mayor Gordy Robson has the audacity to say in one breath that "the Hemporium is a step backwards in the effort to clean up the downtown area," while in the next state he is "open to having the business relocated to another area, outside of the downtown core, such as 207th Street, which is already home to a strip club and an X-rated video store." Mayor Robson, I would like to remind you that residents of the west side were up in arms and fought vigorously against the X-rated video store being located at 207th St. and Lougheed Highway. At that time, it was pointed out that this was a residential area and that children frequently walked past the intersection of 207th St. and Lougheed Hwy. in order to go to and from school. As a resident of west Maple Ridge, I can tell you that there was also concern that this was yet another foot in the door for this type of business being pushed to this area. Mayor Robson, the way to solve the problems plaguing the downtown core is not merely to shift the problem elsewhere. How dare you suggest that a business that you feel could result in "attracting drug users to the area" is not good for the downtown core but OK for those of us living on the west side. I and other residents of the area have four words for you, Mayor Robson: thanks, but no thanks. Hey, I have an idea: how about if we relocate the business to your backyard? CAROL GREER Maple Ridge - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath