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/ CBS New York
NEW YORK — Plans to close two beloved Staten Island businesses were discussed at a Community Board meeting Thursday night.
A large crowd attended the meeting in West Brighton. The majority spoke out against a plan to close S&T Bagel and Forest Card & Gifts and replace them with a licensed cannabis dispensary.
The businesses have been tenants at the Forest Avenue strip mall for decades and residents say they are a vital part of the area.
Other residents expressed concerns about having a pot dispensary so close to residential areas.
“With the proliferation of illegal shops, it doesn’t feel that this is fair to put here, specifically … It’s very difficult to make the argument that this is a place that makes sense. Forest Avenue is filled with families, small businesses, people with children, houses of worship like the one we’re standing in right now,” Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said.
The landlord previously told CBS New York that the decision not to renew the leases of the bagel shop and the gift shop was a business decision and not a personal one. He expects them to close by the end of March.
In a statement, the landlord added, “Adding Gaslight Dispensary will be a vibrant establishment that will serve as a positive economic engine.”
According to the president of the Forest Regional Residents’ Civic Association, the community board previously voted against the landlord’s application to open a dispensary, but the state approved the license on a justice application.
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First published on March 7, 2024 / 11:45 PM EST
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©2024 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Staten Island community speaks out against plans to replace local businesses with licensed cannabis dispensary – CBS New York
