~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ Opposition to the Proposed Cannabis Facility at 28 Broadway, Malden

Dear Editor,

We, the trustees of the Cityline Condominium Trust located at 39 Broadway Malden, MA, are writing this letter to express our strong opposition to the special use application submitted by the Dris Corporation for the establishment of a cannabis facility at 28 Broadway Malden, MA. We kindly request that you share this information with the Malden elected officials and the community. We had submitted a signed petition to both the City Council and the Mayor signed by 24 of the 26 residents in opposition to this proposed type of facility within close confines of our complex.

The property in question is currently listed as a multifamily building, and we believe that granting permission for a cannabis facility would further contribute to the shortage of housing options in our area. Additionally, the proposed location violates the buffer zones designated for residential areas, parks, and schools such as Malden Catholic High School. The presence of a bus stop in front of the proposed facility raises concerns as it is frequently used by students of Malden Catholic High School, who would be close to the retail cannabis establishment.

Moreover, we recall that a few years ago, a covered bus shelter had to be removed due to multiple issues, including excessive noise, criminal activities, and concerns involving the police. It is disconcerting to think that the establishment of this type of facility may lead us to regress rather than progress. We are worried about potential increases in crime and traffic that could arise from this development.

During their community meeting, the Dris Corporation mentioned their intention to potentially expand the complex in the future to include a cannabis cafe, once the cannabis rules are amended. This proposal would only exacerbate the traffic issues on Broadway, which are already problematic. In recent months, a new car wash has opened within a five-hundred-foot radius of the proposed establishment, resulting in a significant surge in traffic and more frequent accidents in the vicinity.

We all share concerns about the potential repercussions this cannabis facility may have on the valuation of our properties and the safety of the residents. It is our firm belief that approving this application would have detrimental effects on our community and compromise the well-being of its members.

We kindly request that you take into consideration our opposition to the proposed special use application by the Dris Corporation. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to the best interests of our community.

Sincerely,

Trustees, Cityline Condominium Trust, 39 Broadway Malden, MA