Depew planning board votes to recommend denial of special-use permit for proposed smoke shop at 5150 Broadway/Unit 2

The Village of Depew Planning Board voted unanimously Aug. 7 to recommend that the Village Board deny a special-use permit application from Hot Spot 716 Inc. for a proposed smoke and vape retail store at 5150 (filings list both "5150 Broadway" and "5150 Bridal"), Unit 2.

The action followed more than an hour of testimony from the applicant, counsel, code enforcement and residents about police reports and a cease-and-desist order related to the property. Frank DeBlasi, attorney for the petitioner Hot Spot 716 Inc., told the board, "We're proposing...for a special use permit to operate...a smoke and vape Shop." He said his client purchased the business earlier in 2025 and later learned a special-use permit was required.

Issa Musa, introduced at the meeting as the owner of Hot Spot, answered questions about operations and hours. On product lines, Musa said, "It's just, smoke shop accessories. Just…