The Committee on Legislation held a public hearing on July 1 for a special use permit for a cannabis establishment at 1923 Seneca Street. The applicant identified himself as Lee Saenz and said he aims to provide a licensed, locally grown and tested product and create jobs. “The best thing is all the taxes are going to help a lot of different things like your schools, your playgrounds,” the applicant said, and he told the committee he would hire about 10 people at this location and that he has state approval for the address.

A nearby property owner, Jared Honacki, owner of J Elliot and Company LLC, told the committee he owns about 100 apartments in South Buffalo and said he was not opposed to cannabis businesses in principle but raised concerns about adding another point of access in a high-density residential area and near bus routes. He noted a prior cannabis establishment in the South District had been shut down because of licensure issues and said the location on Seneca raised “particular proximity problems” in his view.

Committee members said they would consult with the South District council office and the acting mayor’s office before taking a final vote. The transcript records that the committee will not vote on the item that day and that it would be sent without recommendation; a motion to send without recommendation was seconded by Council Member Rivera and recorded in the transcript.

The applicant confirmed he had state approval for the address when asked. The committee encouraged applicants and concerned neighbors to meet with the South District council office to discuss the proposal. The transcript does not include a roll-call vote or a final approval; the item was forwarded without recommendation for further review and communication with district offices.