Petition Created in Opposition of Vape Shop Coming to Woodley Gardens

A change.org petition has been created to oppose a vape/tobacco shop that has signed a lease to take over the former bank space at 1101 Nelson St in the Woodley Gardens Shopping Center in Rockville. Woodley Gardens is home to Carmen’s Italian Ice, Hard Times Café, and Z&Z – Manoushe Bakery. According to the petition,  “a shop of this nature would have a direct and negative impact on the community that frequents the current businesses in the shopping center and family amenities in the park.” Full text from change.org/p/oppose-the-vape-tobacco-shop-in-woodley-gardens below:

“The Woodley Gardens Shopping Center has signed a lease with a “tobacco shop” to be the new tenant in the old bank location. This business will likely be selling tobacco products and vaping supplies (which are often targeted at minors) among family-friendly retailers and across from the Woodley Gardens park. It is highly concerning that a shop of this type could open in such close proximity to an ice cream store, playground, park, sports fields/courts, family swimming pool and future early childhood education center.

We, the undersigned, are strongly opposed to the potential opening of a vape/tobacco shop in the Woodley Gardens Shopping Center on Nelson Street. A shop of this nature would have a direct and negative impact on the community that frequents the current businesses in the shopping center and family amenities in the park. There would also be a negative impact on the existing businesses. We call on JCR Companies, the property management company, to take action to stop the opening of any store of this nature in such close proximity to a park, playground, swimming pool, childhood education center, and additional family-friendly amenities.”