A marijuana shop has been established in a residential area on Bayside’s 39th Avenue. On February 18th, State Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein, together with the 11th Community Board, held a protest outside the marijuana shop, demanding that the New York State Cannabis Management Office (OCM) revoke the retail license of the shop.
Protesters pointed out that the retail shop, Canna Buddha, is located at 215-46 39th Avenue in a middle-class residential area of Bayside, with one elementary school just a block away and another elementary school three blocks away, posing a potential threat to the community environment and the safety of school children. Residents have requested Governor Kathy Hochul to instruct the state’s cannabis management office to revoke the shop’s operating license.
The adult-use marijuana shop submitted an establishment application about a year ago, which was reviewed by the 11th Community Board. During two discussion meetings held for this purpose, the shop’s responsible parties did not attend. Ultimately, the community board unanimously opposed the application, citing reasons such as the shop’s location in a residential area affecting residents’ quality of life, its proximity to two elementary schools potentially impacting minors’ growth, and the applicant’s failure to participate in community hearings and follow proper procedures.
Local State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, State Senator John Liu, and Councilwoman Vickie Paladino have also written to the state cannabis management office urging the rejection of the application. However, the 11th Community Board recently received notification that the cannabis office had still approved the shop’s operating license, causing great dissatisfaction within the community.
Braunstein stated that his office has received a large number of opposition voices from the community, with over 100 residents expressing concerns at the community board meeting. Community Board Chairman Paul DiBenedetto mentioned that the board has received 200 letters and calls of opposition from residents, churches, and schools.
Councilwoman Paladino also expressed that the applicant did not follow legal procedures, yet the authorities issued the license, completely disregarding and offending the residents. She will stand in solidarity with other council members in resistance.