Public hearing draws students, health advocates and business applicants on tobacco, vape and cannabis zoning

The council on Wednesday heard more than a dozen public comments during a scheduled public hearing on proposed changes to chapter 331 of the zoning code governing tobacco smoke shops and adult‑use cannabis retail and consumption. Testimony included pleas from youth prevention groups, public‑health advocates and residents, and one applicant described plans for a legal retail site.

Who spoke and main points

- Youth and prevention groups: Representatives of the Know Better Live Better program and of United Community Center Westchester described outreach they have done with Westchester County Department of Health and the American Lung Association. They said youth access and flavored products are driving use and that retail availability increases youth exposure. Daniel Rodriguez and several student speakers urged tighter limits and funding for prevention programs.

- Public‑health organizations: Molly Franco, Community Engagement Coordinator with Power Against Tobacco/American Lung Association, urged limiting retail density and pointed to industry marketing at point of sale. Franco noted state survey findings that youth obtain devices from local retailers and recommended model policies and technical assistance to help the city regulate outlets and limit youth exposure.

- Residents and parents: Speakers described seeing vaping and smoke exposure near schools and public spaces and asked the council to restrict locations near schools, churches and youth centers. Linda Fecina said many Westchester municipalities opted out of retail cannabis and urged caution; she asked whether the city could limit licenses or locations and suggested sidewalk smoke-free zones in the downtown.

- Potential retailer and supporters: Karen Williams, a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran who said she is in final licensing phases for a legal cannabis retail application, urged inclusion of licensed, regulated retail rather than leaving the market to illicit sellers and said licensed stores will contribute tax revenue for community services.

- Opponents and cautionary voices: Several residents including Vince Malfitano urged stricter limits or removal of retail outlets and framed dispensaries and smoke shops as public‑health and community concerns. Other speakers noted broader concerns about normalizing drug use and the need to balance commercial opportunity with public safety and prevention.

What the draft code amendment would do (as discussed in the meeting)

Staff described the draft as updating existing smoking rules, specifying special‑permit requirements for smoke shops and aligning conditions (distance buffers, hours, and location limitations) with how the city treats other sensitive uses. Council and staff discussed using zoning and special permits to restrict smoke shops and dispensaries from locating near schools and community facilities and to set operational conditions. The council did not vote on the zoning changes at this meeting; the record will remain open for written comments and the item will return for formal action at a later meeting.

Why it matters

Speakers and staff agreed the issue touches both public health and land‑use policy: retail density and location can shape youths’ exposure and access, while local regulation determines where licensed businesses may locate. Several speakers asked staff and council to publish maps showing current retailer locations and the overlay of sensitive sites and demographic indicators to inform the policy decision.

Ending

The hearing closed after the last registered speakers. Council members and staff said they will accept written comments and return with additional materials, including maps and model policies, before any ordinance vote.