Help Save JUAN'S VENDING VARIETY INN
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Hi my name is Juan Hernandez, and I run a small vending machine business outside my home, on m driveway. I started running my business in June 2017. Before I started, I went to city hall and asked if I needed a permit or a business license to setup a vending machine outside my house for the public to use. They told me that I didn't, so I went out and bought a pop machine. My neighbours were very happy, and suggested I get a snack machine as well, and sell chips and chocolate bars. That's how my business grew my neighbours kept making requests for things they wanted me to provide. After two years, my business had grown to five machines. I thought this might change things with the city, so I went back to city hall to ask if I needed a permit or a business license to run my business. I spoke to the person in charge of planning and he told me it was ok because they had not received any complaints in the two years prior. He said if anyone complained, I could simply rezone my property. Four years after running my business without any incidents, someone filed a complaint with the city, because as I've recently discovered, they didn't like the appearance of my machines.
I applied to have my property rezoned, but city council voted to deny my application because they fear of setting new presedent. They believe that a lot of other people are going to want to do the same. I don't believe that's a legitimate reason to deny a rezoning application. They denied my application based on fear and speculation of what might happen if they approved it.
I have filed an appeal with the Ontario Land Tribunal. They accepted my application, and are processing it, which means I have sufficient grounds for an appeal. I need to find a municipal lawyer, familiar with the appeal process, with the Ontario Land Tribunal. I contacted one law firm and they quoted me $10,000 for their services. That's a lot of money, and I can't afford it. I have spent all my savings fighting with city hall for the last nine months.
I'm trying to raise some money to help me continue the fight to safe my small business. Also, maybe some suggestions on a good municipal lawyer that won't charge me an arm and a leg.
Thank to all that support my business, and have been with me throughout this struggle.
Organizer
Juan Hernandez
Organizer
Belleville, ON
