On Thursday, Aug. 5, the Canandaigua City Council will have several public hearings about proposed changes to local laws and regulations.
Should the City Council adopt the proposed New York State Stretch Building Code, a proposal that would be environmentally sound, but with immediate but recoverable costs for new home buyers, remodelers, businesses and builders?
Possession and use of cannabis is now legal in NYS. How will this law affect the life and climate of our city? Should the city allow businesses to open for on-site consumption of cannabis similar to bars or cafes that sell alcohol?
Should it be legal to smoke or vape marijuana on public streets or in our parks, or it is something reserved for the privacy of one’s own home?
Should we allow for dispensaries where people can buy cannabis to take home to consume without the option of on-site consumption?
The law provides for a 4% local tax for cannabis sales; 3% of it would remain in the city. Is it in our interest to immediately go for the new tax revenue, or should we wait and see?
Until Dec. 31, we have the option of not allowing either the on-site or the dispensary type businesses, or both. If we do “opt out,” we can always “opt in” at a later time. If we do not “opt out” by Dec. 31 we lose the right to opt out in the future. In other words, these businesses would be legal permanently in the community if they meet state requirements.
If we do allow for these various cannabis businesses, we then need to decide if they should be restricted to certain parts of the city and, if so, where?
Notice I am asking you questions, without providing my opinion. That is because it is not my goal to make a political statement, but to entice you, the general public, to attend these hearings this coming Thursday, Aug. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Hurley Building or, if you can’t come in person, watch the meeting on the City Facebook page and send in written questions and comments.
These are big decisions and the more public engagement we have the more likely we will make the right decision for the community. As an individual member of City Council, I encourage you to make sure your opinion is heard!
Stephen Uebbing
Councilmember at-large
City of Canandaigua
