T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA Bridgeport Village Solicitor Michael Shaheen tells business owner and resident David Sheppard that he isn’t opposed to his idea to host a hemp festival in the village, but he believes Sheppard needs to iron out the details with Police Chief John Bumba and Assistant Police Chief Darby Copeland first.

BRIDGEPORT — Bridgeport business owner and resident David Sheppard wants to bring a hemp festival to the village of Bridgeport.

Sheppard is the owner/operator of The Tree Top Shop, which offers smoking and vaping accessories. He addressed Bridgeport Village Council on Tuesday, informing village leaders of his plan to host a hemp festival at his store’s location and seeking council’s approval.

“I’m here to obtain any permits that are required and to present an idea that would bring real economic benefit to our village. I would like to host a hemp and cannabis wellness festival here in Bridgeport. The event would be legal and responsible and focused on wellness education, small business support, and community enrichment,” Sheppard said. “Towns around us host similar events, and Bridgeport is in a position to take the lead to bring in revenue, tourism and attention that we deserve.

“This festival would follow all state and local laws and federal law as well,” he continued. “The focus will be on hemp and hemp-derived products, which are legal under the federal farm bill, as well as cannabis products that are legal under Ohio Senate Bill 57, to ensure that everything is safe and appropriate. All vendors that will be selling any age-restricted products will be required to check identification before making any kind of sales. Security and event staff will help monitor for compliance and provide a secure environment. Areas with adult-only sales will be designated and clearly marked, and this keeps everything controlled professional and respectful for the community.”

He added that he believes that small businesses within the community are fighting to stay open, and his event could drive traffic to the businesses within the area.

Sheppard added that a portion of ticket sales, booth fees and vendor proceeds will be donated to the village.

“That money can go towards infrastructure, parks, beautification or any other community priority. We can also run a voluntary donation campaign during the event for local causes such as infrastructure. It’s not just about making money. It’s about investing in the village,” he said.

Village Solicitor Micheal Shaheen asked Sheppard if his business would have adequate parking to host such an event. Sheppard replied that he does and has also spoken with neighboring businesses about allowing additional parking for attendees if needed.

He then told Shaheen that he was addressing council because he wasn’t aware of what permits he needed to obtain for such an event to occur.

“Look, you’re doing everything right. I’m going to be completely transparent — this is the first time we’ve had a request for this. It’s something we certainly need to discuss. How we know that we can stop you from doing it, right? But I needed to know if you wanted to block off the street,” Shaheen said.

He told Shaheen he doesn’t believe any streets would need to be blocked off and that he will have security on the premises at all times. Shaheen asked who he would be hiring for security.

“We have a private security. We have just a bunch of friends that have their own thing and are not busy that day, and all concealed carry and license and forms,” Sheppard said.

Assistant Police Chief Darby Copeland commented that he believes it would be a huge mistake for Sheppard not to have a police and EMS presence at the event.

“There was a recent festival of this nature in the (Belmont) county not long ago, it drew a tremendous crowd. And I think from a public safety standpoint, not having police and EMS crews available was a huge mistake,” Copeland said. “The county board of health is enacting a mass gathering permit, so you’d have to apply there as well.”

Shaheen recommended that Sheppard apply for the mass gathering permit from the Belmont County Board of Health and then reach out to either Copeland or Police Chief John Bumba to iron out a plan before the next council meeting at 6 p.m. June 17.

He added that his main concern was that the event could create a potential traffic jam, which could lead to attendees potentially being struck by a vehicle while walking to or from the event.

“If you want to be a success, you hope you get as much traffic as possible, right? Even if you only got 20 or 30 cars at one time, that could be a problem. All I’m saying is figure it out. The last thing you want is somebody walking to your event and getting killed, right? That just happened right in front of the police department,” Shaheen said, referring to a fatal accident in December on U.S. 40. Wheeling resident Teri Marshall died as a result of her injuries after a vehicle struck her and another pedestrian while they were using the crosswalk outside of the police station.

Shaheen added that he isn’t against the idea at all, but he wants to ensure everyone’s safety.

Sheppard, Copeland and Bumba all agreed to have a conversation before the next council meeting to discuss the details so Sheppard’s festival can happen safely as possible.

Village Engineer Brian May then informed council that all of Main Street and all of North Lincoln and South Lincoln Avenue will be paved next week.