Cranston council debates licenses for Atwood Greenhouses amid community concerns

The Claims, Safety Services & Licenses Committee and Finance Committee of Cranston convened on April 7, 2025, to address several pressing issues, primarily focusing on business compliance and licensing matters. A significant point of discussion revolved around Atwood Greenhouses, which has been operating without proper licenses and fire safety inspections since December. Economic Director Franklin Paulino was tasked with visiting the site to assess compliance and report back to the council by the end of the week.

The committee expressed concern over the greenhouse's continued operation despite outstanding compliance issues. Members emphasized the importance of ensuring that businesses adhere to safety regulations, with a clear directive for Paulino to communicate to the greenhouse operators that they should not be conducting business until compliance is achieved.

Another major topic involved a business seeking licenses under new ownership. The prospective owners, Hana Koseifi and Charbel Koseifi, presented their case for obtaining food and liquor licenses, despite not yet having taken ownership of the establishment. The committee highlighted that the business had been operating without necessary licenses, raising alarms among local residents who reported disturbances from late-night activities.

The committee members were hesitant to grant licenses without further investigation into the business's compliance history and the potential presence of nearby houses of worship, which could affect liquor licensing eligibility under Rhode Island law. The Koseifis expressed their commitment to improving the business and the surrounding area, but committee members urged them to engage with local residents to address their concerns before moving forward.

In conclusion, the committee decided to continue discussions on both matters, emphasizing the need for compliance and community engagement. The next meeting is expected to provide updates on the site visit and further discussions regarding the licensing applications, with a focus on ensuring that local businesses operate within the law and maintain good relations with the community.