Ossining Gets Input on Where to Allow Marijuana Dispensaries
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By Rick Pezzullo
Now that some municipalities across the state have made the decision to allow marijuana dispensaries to set up shop, the focus now turns to where to locate the businesses.
Two weeks ago, the Village of Ossining Board of Trustees held a community Zoom forum to hear from residents what areas they felt would be best suited to handle a dispensary.
Last year, former Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis. The bill established the Office of Cannabis Management to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework that covers medical, adult-use and cannabinoid hemp. The bill also expanded New York State’s existing medical marijuana and cannabinoid hemp programs and provides licensing for marijuana producers, distributors, retailers, and others in the cannabis market.
Cities, towns, and villages had the option of opting out of allowing adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries or on-site consumption licenses by passing a local law. However, by taking no action, municipalities automatically were giving the green light to the retail component.
Officials in the village and town of Ossining both voted not to allow consumption sites, also known as lounges, but gave the okay to dispensaries by doing nothing.
With certain zoning restrictions already in place, such as not placing retail dispensaries within 500 feet of school grounds or within 200 feet of a house of worship, village officials were looking for some suggestions from residents on the select sites remaining.
“We’re not zoning this out of existence,” said Ossining Village Mayor Rika Levin. “These are viable businesses and business development is important to the village. We are looking at opportunities.”
Tax collections from the adult-use cannabis program are projected to reach $350 million annually statewide.
Several residents suggested the Arcadia Shopping Center could possibly be a good place for a dispensary if the property owner would allow it. Others mentioned near the Ossining Train Station.
“Make sure it’s something that fits in our area and doesn’t look like it fits in Las Vegas,” said resident Jennifer Fields-Tawil.
“I don’t think it should be hidden. It should be out front,” said resident Mary Ellis. “This is an amazing opportunity for a revenue stream in the village.”
Ossining officials could impose tougher restrictions, such as creating a 1,000 feet buffer from certain institutions, but that would limit the available sites for prospective businesses.
“A maximum 1,000 feet is close to zoning it out of existence,” said Trustee Dana White. “I’m not into limiting free enterprise.”
“We want to create a zoning policy here in Ossining that allows dispensaries to exist,” said Trustee Omar Lopez.
Village Corporation Counsel Stuart Kahan said it costs $2,000 to apply to the state for a license for a dispensary. Setting up a cannabis business costs about $200,000.
No dispensaries are expected to pop up in any municipalities this year with the Office of Cannabis Management just getting its feet wet.
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
