Important Communiy Message

Posted on 02/02/2022

Dear Royal Oak Families,

I have some important information to share with you regarding a proposal being considered in our community. It has come to our attention that the City of Royal Oak Planning Commission will be considering a proposal for a special land use permit for the Gatsby Cannabis Co. on February 8, 2022, at 7:00 PM at the Royal Oak City Hall. Gatsby Cannabis Co. is proposing to build a marijuana business that will include retail, processor, and grower operations directly across from the Oakland Schools Technical Campus-SE (OSTC-SE) on Meijer Drive in Royal Oak.

Oakland Schools has distributed a letter opposing this plan. In the letter, Superintendent Wanda Cook-Robinson states that "if approved, Gatsby Cannabis Co. could operate just feet from our OSTC-SE. Michigan law prohibits a marijuana establishment from operating within 1000 feet of a pre-existing public or private school." Many students from Royal Oak High School, along with high school students from across Oakland County, attend the OSTC-SE campus as a part of their regular high school day, earning credit that will lead to successful graduation from high school. I am in agreement with Oakland Schools that this company should not be granted a special land use permit to operate in such close proximity to a school building.

We are asking that the City of Royal Oak follow the ordinance pertaining to the issuance of such licenses while noting the proximity to any of our schools.

Sincerely,

Mary Beth Fitzpatrick

Superintendent

Royal Oak Schools