Pubdate: Fri, 16 Dec 2011
Source: St. Albert Gazette (CN AB)
Copyright: 2011 Great West Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.stalbertgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2919
Author: Peter Boer

BONG SHOP PERMIT REVOKED

Neighbouring Business Owners Relieved Blitz 420 Won't Be Opening In
Akinsdale

A store that sells paraphernalia associated with drug use will not be 
allowed to open in Appleyard Square.

At a hearing last week several businesses and residents sought to have 
the development permit for Blitz 420 revoked. This week the 
subdivision and development appeal board ruled in their favour.

"Surrounding businesses will suffer due to the nature of the business 
of the developer if the proposed development is allowed. The 
developer's business would adversely affect surrounding businesses 
financially," the board wrote in its decision, which was released 
publicly Thursday.

The board also noted the Akinsdale neighbourhood in which the store 
was to be located is "primarily residential, not primarily commercial 
in nature." It also cited owner Tim Kaput's own admissions that his 
store "sells products for adult consumption" and "conceded that his 
products ought to be obscured from public view with frosted glass."

"The developer has advertised expressly that he deals in drug 
paraphernalia," the decision states.

Reached by phone, Kaput had little to say about the decision.

"I don't give a s... about that (decision)," he said, declining further 
comment before hanging up.

After other tenants of Appleyard Square first started expressing their 
concerns in November, Kaput told the Gazette he would not be opening 
his store. But business owners still went ahead with their appeal of 
his development permit last week. At the hearing, Kaput argued in 
favour of allowing his store to open.

"I ask of you people to please see that I'm here to work with you and 
compromise to make this work," Kaput told the board in a written submission.

Mayor Nolan Crouse, whom Kaput has threatened to sue over allegations 
that Crouse has caused his business to suffer, said he respects the 
board's decision.

"They had the information that they needed and they decided not to 
allow it to go ahead," Crouse said.

ADW Music owner Robbie Wood, one of the people who appealed Kaput's 
permit, was relieved with the decision. He had argued before the 
committee that his business would suffer because a majority of his 
music students are under the age of 18.

"Obviously I'm happy they've come down on the side of reason," Wood 
said. "I'm glad it's over."

"Personally, I think stores like this are not a great impact on any 
community. I don't want to be a NIMBY just because it's close to us 
and complain about it. I don't feel that these stores have a place 
anywhere really," he added.

Jennifer Foo, owner of Xtreme Creations Hair Company, said she's glad 
the ordeal is over.

"I'm happy for us. It's a great decision for the neighbourhood. I wish 
[Kaput] the best of luck in his future endeavours," she said.

Hearing

The appeal of Kaput's development hearing took place on Dec. 7, more 
than six weeks after the smoke shop owner publicly stated he was 
pulling his business out of town because of complaints from nearby businesses.

According to the board's written decision, 11 different people spoke 
at the meeting. Besides neighbouring businesses and people who came to 
defend Kaput, the board also heard from the public, "which was in 
attendance in significant numbers."

Seven people spoke against the development permit, with four speaking 
in favour, including Kaput. Four people describing themselves as 
residents made presentations to the board, with three saying it didn't 
belong in the neighbourhood.

Of those who spoke in favour of Kaput's development permit, one had 
worked for Kaput, one described himself as Kaput's "confidante" and 
another was a local resident.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.