Mr. Nice Guy Smoke Shop at 4548 N Western Avenue, would like to open a Drug Paraphernalia and tobacco store 130 feet from 500 school children, ages 3-14 (Queen of Angels Elementary School). Neighbors recently learned a St. Louis-based retailer that sells tobacco and marijuana paraphernalia plans to open a shop at 4538 N. Western Avenue, less than 150 feet away from Queen of Angels School. Among the products sold by Mr. Nice Guy are rolling papers, bongs and brownies made with a variety of natural herbs.
We are very concerned about the addition of this store for the following reasons:
The highly visible and blatant promotion of smoking-related products so close to an elementary school and also near an intersection (Western and Wilson) that serves numerous families attending another local elementary school, Waters Elementary.
The presence of such a retailer will discourage other businesses from renting nearby locations on a section of Western Avenue that has several vacant storefronts.
The reputation of such businesses for activity that expands beyond simply the sale of drug paraphernalia.
Community leaders in Lincoln Square and the surrounding neighborhoods have worked hard to create and support an environment that is vibrant and safe for all individuals, including families and children. We believe that businesses like Mr. Nice Guy contradict the goals we have for this community.
Please join us in opposing the opening of Mr. Nice Guy at 4538 N. Western Avenue by signing below. We need your support!
