Planning board approves 2–4 North Street convenience store; board and applicant clarify city tobacco permit process

The City of Middletown Planning Board approved a retail-use application for a convenience store at 2–4 North Street on April 2, 2025. Board members and staff made clear that the applicant may not sell tobacco products or related paraphernalia until the city issues a tobacco permit through the Department of Public Works.

The approval came after about 20 minutes of questioning from board members about how the proposed store would use its floor space, whether tobacco and cannabidiol (CBD) products would be sold, and what local rules — if any — distinguish a convenience store from a smoke shop. Applicant Kevin Burris said tobacco sales would represent "less than 30%" of sales. Board members and city staff said the tobacco permit and any related restrictions are handled by the city DPW and that there is currently no numerical threshold in city rules to define a smoke shop versus a…