Monday, August 26, 2024–7:30 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
Rome’s city commission took no action during its meeting Monday on a proposed downtown development that would ban e-cigarette shops and coin-operated gaming machines.
During Monday’s meeting, Ken Callaway, owner of Summit Mist Vapors at 522 Broad Street, addressed the commission.
“I have long been aware of these pop-up businesses and convenience stores that clearly operate under the guise of so-called vape shops,” he said. “They in no way reflect the model of my business or the mechanics of our business ethics or our higher standards. Summit Mist has never engaged in the sale of illegal drugs, illegal gambling, or any form of nefarious illegal activity and never would.”
Another vape shop owner, Nick Jebeles, also spoke.
“Despite what most people would have you believe, we are not tobacco companies,” he said. “With nearly 12 years of experience in this industry, I have had the privilege of helping adult smokers switch from traditional cigarettes to a safer alternative. My colleagues and I have been instrumental in keeping e-cigarette products out of the hands of minors and improving the health of adult consumers.”
Rome Mayor Craig McDaniel said there was no specific timeline for the overlay district vote, but promised it would be announced before any action was taken.
An overlay is a zoning area that incorporates one or more underlying zones and imposes additional development requirements on those zones.
The boundaries of the Etowah River-Turner McCall superstructure would include the River District along Fifth Avenue and West Third Street, as well as the Historic Broad Street District, including part of the “Between the Rivers” area.
You can read more about the overlay district here.
