Residents of Bayview Hunters Point voiced strong opposition to proposed cannabis cultivation facilities during a recent government meeting, citing concerns over public safety, community needs, and the saturation of cannabis businesses in the area.

Local residents, including Hazel Lee, president of the Shanghai Association, expressed frustration over the government's perceived lack of responsiveness to community concerns. Lee highlighted that the area has seen a proliferation of cannabis cultivation sites, with 36 operating illegally and several more pending approval. She emphasized that the community requires essential services such as grocery stores and affordable housing, rather than additional cannabis facilities.

Barbara Tassa, a resident adjacent to one of the proposed sites, presented a petition with eight letters of opposition from nearby residents and businesses. She argued that the proposed facility does not meet the community's needs and fails to provide any public-facing services. Tassa pointed out that the area already has numerous cannabis cultivators, questioning the necessity of adding more.

Residents also raised concerns about the impact of cannabis cultivation on public safety and health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and low-income families. They reported issues with teenagers congregating in the vicinity to smoke marijuana, leading to health hazards and a decline in neighborhood safety.

Commissioners acknowledged the residents' concerns and discussed the lack of regulations governing the number of cannabis cultivation facilities in close proximity to one another. While some commissioners expressed support for the cannabis industry, they recognized the need for a balanced approach that considers community welfare.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on the saturation of cannabis businesses in the area and the potential need for regulatory changes to better protect the interests of local residents. The commission is expected to deliberate on the proposed facilities in the coming weeks, weighing community feedback against the interests of the cannabis industry.