The owner of a store that sells paraphernalia related to drug consumption appears to have had a change of heart on whether or not he wants to open his store.
Despite telling the Gazette in November he would be abandoning his location at Appleyard Square, located on Akins Drive, because of opposition from local tenants and the mayor, Blitz 420 owner Tim Kaput appeared before the subdivision and development appeal board to fight an appeal of his development permit by neighbouring tenants and residence.
“I just want them to make a decision,” Kaput said in a brief phone conversation Thursday.
Retailers fearing their businesses would be affected by Blitz 420 and its clientele, as well as a few Akinsdale residents appeared before the board Wednesday night for two hours, asking it to repeal Kaput’s permit. The board reserved its decision. It must issue one within 15 days of hearing the appeal.
Appleyard Square retailers also don’t believe Kaput should have been issued a general retail business licence. They say the store is not general in nature and will have a detrimental impact on their own businesses.
The Gazette obtained a copy of Kaput’s written submission to the board in which he pledges to take numerous steps to deter minors, such as using frosted windows and asking customers to present identification to verify they are 18 or older.
“My customers are everyday hard-working people. They come and go as they please without any problems. My customers never leave garbage in the front or around the store.”
Robbie Wood, owner of ADW Music, wondered why a “general retail store” would need frosted windows. He also said he will continue fighting Blitz 420 if the board rules in Kaput’s favour.
“He can’t open until this matter is dealt with,” Wood said. “Obviously if they don’t grant our appeal, we will be looking at every possible avenue to keep it from opening.”
Even Walter Curtis, who took ownership of Appleyard Square on Nov. 1, wants the board to revoke Kaput’s permit. He explained Kaput signed a five-year “head lease” with the previous owner that guarantees his rent for five years. As a result, Curtis said there is little he can do.
“I agree with the tenants in that four or five of the tenants there are child care-oriented and evidently the story goes this fellow was going to be selling drug paraphernalia. That’s not a suitable tenant,” Curtis said.
While Kaput wrote that his business is no worse than LB’s Pub or the 7-Eleven located at the square, the strip mall is also home to three childcare facilities, a children’s art store and ADW Music, which offers lessons to patrons predominately under the age of 17. Elmer S. Gish Elementary and Junior High School is also located nearby.
That is why the tenants are appealing his permit, said Gloria Dryhorub, owner of Global Child Montessori. They are concerned the store’s presence and potential clientele could keep parents and their children away.
“I spoke about how there are so many options for parents to take their children to preschool and I am concerned if there is a store like that around the corner, people will not want to bring their children here,” she said.
Mayor Nolan Crouse, who has been a vocal opponent of Blitz 420 and similar smoke shops, declined to comment, citing Kaput’s previous threats to sue him.
City council has taken up the charge of making life difficult for such storeowners. After receiving a confidential report Oct. 31 on all of the city’s options for dealing with smoke shops, council directed administration in November to draft a comprehensive plan. That plan is due before council on Dec. 19.
