Grover Beach dance studio says it’s closing its doors because of cannabis company
GROVER BEACH, Calif. --A local dance studio says it's closing its doors because of a cannabis business.
The owners of Coastal Dance and Music Academy (CDMA) say they made the decision after a marijuana company purchased the complex where the studio is.
In a press release, the studio said The Natural Healing Center is turning the area into a “cannabis campus”.
"As CDMA has a lease through April of 2030, NHC said that they would move CDMA, it would be seamless, cost neutral, and would be an equal or better facility," the statement reads. "A week later, NHC threatened that if CDMA didn’t relocate, they would run them out of business.
"NHC and partners have never offered a viable and cost neutral option for CDMA to relocate, CDMA had no choice but to remain and to pursue legal options.
"It is now three years later , and unfortunately, NHC has succeeded at what they threatened."
The dance studio also claimed the City of Grover Beach issued a competing use permit to the cannabis business in 2018 that was in direct conflict with the studio's use permit.
City Manager Matthew Bronson said that was inaccurate, releasing the following statement:
"The City approved an Administrative Use Permit for CDMA at 1030 Huston Street in October 2006 without restrictions on the types of uses that could operate in the vicinity. CDMA is located in an industrial zone and there are a wide variety of manufacturing and other types of uses allowed in an industrial zone. In January 2018, the City approved a Use Permit for Natural Healing Center at 998 Huston Street to allow commercial cannabis manufacturing, distribution, cultivation and retail uses consistent with the industrial zoning. It’s unfortunate when any business in the city closes though this is ultimately a private business issue between a tenant and their landlord."
The Natural Healing Center said CDMA's allegations were not true, as well.
“Natural Healing Center is dismayed at CDMA’s misleading and inaccurate statements. From the beginning, NHC has been engaged in a good faith effort working hand-in-hand with both the City of Grover Beach and CDMA to relocate their business. Unfortunately, CDMA made the decision to instead pursue legal action.”
Some students said they are sad about the announcement.
“I'm upset by it because there are so many good people there, and all the teachers are great," said Kanani Neel. "I was hoping for my daughter to start classes when she turns two in July and now I don't know if it'll happen, but I really hope they can find somewhere else.”
