Ravenna mayor Paul Jones relented last week from his opposition to the issuance of permits to allow Northcoast NORML to open a shop in the city’s historic district.
The mayor did however offer threatening words in a letter to Northcoast NORML President John Hartman. He said the city, “has no choice but to issue an occupancy permit…let me put you on notice with respect to obeying the law while in Ravenna…I can assure you this city will be vigilant to prosecute any offenders to the highest extent of the law. In plain words, you have been warned…[Y]ou better be cleaner than the driven snow.”
After receiving the mayor’s letter, Northcoast NORML’s lawyer William Saks, Esq., responded, “The mayor should be aware that any harassment or unjustified prosecutions will be vigorously resisted.”
In December, the mayor, who admitted that “he may be infringing on [NORML’s] Constitutional rights,” would not issue an occupancy permit to the store. He forced the group to seek approval from both the zoning and planning commissions even though the building was already zoned for business and there were no structural changes made. Last week Ravenna city attorney Frank Cimino informed Jones that the NORML store did comply with the commercial zoning requirements.
The store will be selling hemp clothing, jewelry, NORML logo products and books.
For more information, please contact John Hartman, Northcoast NORML President at (216) 521-9333 or William Saks, Esq., at (216) 321-7335.
