A San Diego church has won a settlement agreement with the city after a marijuana production company targeted the congregation in hopes of moving its operations into a nearby warehouse.
City ordinances prohibit marijuana-related businesses within 1,000 feet of schools, parks and churches.
“It was something you have on your mind every single day,” Pastor Andy Ballon told Christian Headlines. “Thinking about what was going to happen. What could happen? Personally, it reminded me that God is with us and we are doing something right. It was total validation for me and, I think, for our congregation.”
Last year, Cannversions, Inc. applied for a permit to open a growing operation in an industrial park, but was denied access because Vision Church’s leased property was just 449 feet from the warehouse. Undeterred, the pot company broached the landlord to purchase the property outright, but the owner declined. When that didn’t work, Cannversions filed a complaint with the city alleging the church was illegally operating in a FEMA flood zone and had inadequate parking.
City officials inspected the church property and found eight code violations. Vision Church was ordered to immediately cease operations or face daily fines of $4,000—$500 for each infraction. Hoping to forge a compromise, the landlords followed up the inspection with a meeting of city officials, showing them…
… Read More
Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.