Detroit Business Owners Unite to Re-Write the Detroit Marijuana Ordinances passed by City Council

by Richard  C. Clement
     Marijuana Policy Analyst

        Canna-Business owners feel slighted by the new and proposed ordinances to “regulate” all the Marijuana shops in the City because, they were left out of the planning phase. To correct that issue and others, the Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform is sponsoring a petition drive to place the issue on the August 2^nd, 2016 ballot as a referendum. 

         Business owners feel that this ordinance was designed to eliminate ALL Marijuana businesses in the City of Detroit. The remaining few spots that are eligible are already owned by people that are waiting for the ordinance to take effect and eliminate the competition.  The focus on shutting down 211 Marijuana Care Centers through zoning laws is creating an adverse effect on owners who want to get fair and equal opportunity to be a part of the 100+ Billion dollar pie of Marijuana.

         Currently, the City of Detroit has over 11,000 empty buildings within its limits. As always businesses that are owned by African Americans will be the first ones to be shut down. Places like G3 on 8 mile and Hubbell will be closed down and, the buildings will become vacant again.  What the business owners want is fair treatment as a legitimate business and Sensible Cannabis laws in the City of Detroit. The business owners are proposing that there only be one regulation cana-businesses with a 1000ft buffer regulation that only includes Schools and, Libraries.

The current regulations like 1000 feet from a church is un-constitutional and may face a court on the issue of separation of church and state.  The ordinance gives the appearance of collusion with specific owners to eliminate the completion to drive up prices for everyone.  We want transparency in our operations as a Government, and as a service organization to the citizens of Detroit. Therefore starting on Feb 24^th, through February 29^th, the Woodward Avenue Business Owners Association is sponsoring a petition drive at 3 of the four locations on the strip. 

• Miles Green Acers  19010 Woodward Ave Detroit MI 48203
• Tribute Detroit 18830 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48203
• Green Cure 18002 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48203 

Other Locations in The City of Detroit:

• Green Zone Wellness 13707 W McNichols Detroit MI 48235
• Peace of Amsterdam 18665 W 8 Mile Detroit MI 48219

At these locations, you can find petitions to address the Zoning and Licensing issue so that they can be placed on the ballot as a referendum question in the August 2^nd, 2016 Primary Election. Register to vote forms may be available at these locations also to let your voice be your vote. 

The Presidential primary on March 8^th, 2016 is ready to take on people that are interested in voting early at the Detroit Elections Bureau at 2978 Grand Boulevard Detroit, MI 48203 or the 2^nd floor of the Coleman Young Municipal Center at 2 Woodward Avenue Detroit MI 48226. You must declare your party preference before you cast your vote for as a Democrat or, a Republican so vote early and don’t be late.

Council Member James Tate Supports Historically Black Colleges on Sat. Feb 20th

By  Richard C. Clement

The Detroit Alumni Chapter of Alabama State University is pleased to have Detroit City Council member James Tate of District 1 as our guest speaker at the 66^th Annual Founders Day Luncheon on Saturday February 20^th at 11:30am.  Council member Pro Tem Cushingberry is an ardent supporter of Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd and her leadership as the President of Alabama State University. Council member Cushingberry supports the existence and importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  

The Chapter will take care of your breakfast/lunch with a hearty menu so don’t cook, come hungry and prepared to eat good meal.  Council member Tate was chosen by the membership because of his leadership on issues concerning the City of Detroit. A direct quote from his City of Detroit webpage explains his leadership style.

“He is known for making the tough decisions when they have to be made and believes in accessible government. Councilman Tate consistently seeks ways to forge and cultivate neighborhood partnerships within the district. Hosting monthly meetings in District 1, Tate ensures that residents are up to speed on the latest issues that affect their lives. His bi-weekly Satellite Hours at the Motor City Java and Tea House further extends Councilman Tate into the community. He’s on the ground and on the run in District 1. “

Council member Tate is primarily responsible for creating a task force on Black Male Engagement along with fellow Council member Andre Spivey to address the growing pressures put on Black Males growing up in this ever changing complex world. Council member Tate has been instrumental in shaping the future of the growing Marijuana Industry in the City of Detroit by introducing legislation to place the entire process of licensing online instead of mailing in paperwork. 

Council member Tate is an esteemed member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity that has committed to help shape the future of our children who choose to attend HBCU for a solid education.  

The donation of $40 for this event will go toward scholarships, and expenses for current and prospective students attending Alabama State University.

To purchase a ticket please call the office (313) 224-4535 and ask for Richard C. Clement or contact Mrs. Lorinette B. Clark at (313) 418-8489

Push With Cush to fill 120 Information Technology Jobs with the City of Detroit

By Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr.

Join the Technology
Push with Cush!

The City of Detroit Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIt) is actively looking to hire up to 120 Information Technology professionals to work full time. Council member Pro Tem Cushingberry supports the ultimate goal to have a 90/10 ratio of full time positions to part time contractors employed.  We will be looking for local talent from schools like Wayne State to Historically Black Colleges and Universities that have strong Information Technology programs. Councilmember ProTem Cushingberry Jr. is strongly pushing for talent and diversity in Information Technology because of the alarming lack of African Americans, who chose to pursue a career in the field.





If you are interested in applying for a job, please visit the City of Detroit website at www.detroitmi.gov to view the numerous openings with us. Closing Date is Feb 1st, 2016 for most positions. In some cases filing deadlines will be extended for some positions.

THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR APPLYING FOR MORE THAN ONE JOB LISTING!!!!!

Marijuana Information for the City of Detroit - Quick Links to Answer Your Questions About What is Going On

by Richard C. Clement
     Marijuana Policy Analyst

           The following links are reference links to information regarding the management of Marijuana in Detroit Michigan.  These links point to maps and ordinance information that may be helpful to you. Please be aware that Ordinance #61 is being re-written as a ballot question to the voters which may affect the implementation date of March 1^st, 2016. If enough voters decide to make it a ballot question, the ordinance is null and void until the issue is decided on August 2, 2016 by the voters.

Please click on the following links for additional information.

General How Do I Do It Information Page  

APPLY FOR A MARIHUANA LICENCE IN THE CITY OF DETROIT NEW!

City of Detroit Law Department Marijuana News Feb 2016

Marijuana Information Systems - BSEED, Detroit Police, Law Department Presentation

Marijuana Information Fact Sheet 

Marijuana License Ordinance #24

Marijuana Zoning Ordinance #61 

Marijuana Zoning Map Of Detroit

Referendum Ballot Question on Ordinance #61 Petition Language, August 2, 2016

From Councilmember James Tate's website:

"The above map illustration of the zoning regulations for medical marijuana facilities contained in Councilman Tate's proposed amendment to Chapter 61 of the 1984 Detroit City Code. The bold portions of the map indicate which areas of the City would be eligible for medical marijuana facilities under the proposed zoning regulations. It is important to note that medical marijuana facilities would be restricted from being located within 2,000 radial feet of another facility.

If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact Councilman Tate's office by phone at (313)224-1027 or by email at councilmembertate@detroitmi.gov "