Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and members of the Springfield City Council announce that a rate of 33% has been established for the Impacted Neighborhood Stabilization Fund. Through this order, 33% of funds received through the retail sales tax of 3% imposed by the City of Springfield on the sale of recreational marijuana and marijuana products will be directed to neighborhoods within a 1.5 mile radius of each dispensary.
“I’m always glad to work with anyone for the overall good of our City, especially for our neighborhoods. Glad to work with Council President Hurst and Councilors Lederman and Edwards on this mutual initiative,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “I remain hopeful that, unlike Washington D.C., we can go back to a time when politicians could disagree without demonizing each other and find ways to build relationships and work together despite our differences for the good of our Springfield.”
In September, the City Council approved an ordinance allowing 15 recreational marijuana dispensaries to operate in the City.
“A compromise on the Neighborhood Stabilization Fund is a great way to start the new year. I'm confident that this is one of many things that we will be able work together on and both the Mayor and Councilor Lederman should be commended for their efforts. Ensuring that neighborhoods reap the benefits from this new industry is important to all of us and the creation of this fund is a direct result of government working together for the best interest of the citizens we serve,” said City Council President Justin Hurst.
The Impacted Neighborhood Stabilization Fund will be directed to educational and recreational programming for youth and adults, neighborhood business incentives, infrastructure improvements and recreational and community sites.
“We are glad to have worked together with the Mayor to reach a compromise on this important legislation,” said lead sponsor Councilor Jesse Lederman. “This will ensure neighborhoods, especially those most impacted and historically impacted, benefit directly from this new source of revenue.”
“We want residents to see the benefits of this new industry,” said Councilor Melvin Edwards. “I am encouraged by this collaboration of our two branches of government and look forward to seeing the benefits this fund will bring to our communities.”