One Schenectady County town has opted out of having cannabis dispensaries and on-site consumption locations after a 4-1 vote against at its Town Board meeting Wednesday.
Glenville opted out before the Dec. 31 deadline with only board member Mike Godlewski voting against the resolution.
According to Supervisor Chris Koetzle, no one spoke at a public hearing on the matter, so the board moved the vote forward.
Koetzle said the move is a defense for the town as the state hasn’t released the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis dispensaries or consumption sites.
“It’s a no-brainer to opt out until you know exactly what the rules are,” he said.
Koetzle said that if Scotia opts in then people can put locations in the village and it would keep all the revenue generated. If the town finally opts in then the village will have to share 50% of the profits, unless another agreement is in place.
He said he’s spoken to a handful of people interested in locations for possible cannabis businesses throughout town, but has indicated that Glenville will hold off on allowing them.
Places in between the north end of Route 50 and Freemans Bridge Road have been mentioned.
One of those prospects is Donald Andrews, owner of three vape shops between Glenville and Schenectady.
He was surprised to hear the town had opted out.
“We were looking to do an on-site consumption lounge in town,” he said.
Andrews, who owns Vaped City on Mohawk Avenue in Scotia, had looked in that area as well, but he said the law prohibits them from being so close to places like churches. Vaped City is located across the street from a church.
However, he said all of three of his landlords understand what he wants to do with his business.
“It’s just about if the town will let us do it,” Andrews said.
Also holding up the process is the fact that the state hasn’t opened up the application process for licensing.
Andrews also has locations at 1613 Upper Union St. and 126 Saratoga Road.
Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said the city is not planning on passing any resolutions opting out of the law.
However, the town of Niskayuna is holding a public hearing about opting out on Nov. 18. Supervisor Yasmine Syed wants to take a similar approach to Koetzle — wait for more information.
“We want to make sure we get this right,” Syed said.
She said by waiting it will allow the town time to review its local laws and codes. The town is expected to vote on opting out at its December meeting, according to the supervisor.
Rotterdam board member Joe Guidarelli said, at the Nov. 15 meeting, its board is expected to call for a public hearing to see how residents feel about having dispensaries and on-site consumption locations.
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Categories: Schenectady County
