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Community board objects to two Holybud cannabis retail applications over unresolved safety concerns
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Summary
After public comments and precinct correspondence alleging illegal cannabis sales near one address, the committee voted to send a letter of objection to the Office of Cannabis Management for both Holybud retail applications, citing unresolved community concerns and applicant absence.
The Economic Development & Public Safety Committee voted to forward a letter of objection to the Office of Cannabis Management for two Holybud cannabis retail license applications, citing community safety concerns and the applicants’ failure to address local questions. The motion to object to both locations passed after gallery speakers and board members raised law-enforcement reports and neighborhood complaints.
Diane, a gallery speaker, told the committee the two proposed Holybud locations occupy former illegal smoke‑shop sites and described ongoing street‑level sales near one address. “Currently, there's a big, conglomeration of people selling weed on the street in front of the Evil Ghost,” she said, urging the board to consider whether a licensed store could reduce illegal sales. Malcolm, who said he spoke to a Cloudy Cloud property owner, cautioned that licensing alone may not eliminate illegal sellers without enforcement.
Board staff and a gallery speaker reported an October email from the 49th Precinct and sheriff’s office alleging illegal cannabis activity at a White Plains Road address; the lieutenant cited that both locations are within 1,000 feet of each other, which can affect licensing outcomes. Chris (board staff) confirmed he forwarded the precinct correspondence to committee members and advised that the committee's advisory should reflect unresolved community concerns.
Why it matters: OCM licensing decisions determine who may operate retail cannabis stores; community objections and law-enforcement reports are part of the advisory process. The committee asked Veronica to draft the objection on official board letterhead for forwarding to the appropriate city agency.
What’s next: Staff will prepare the objection letter for OCM/OCM process and include the precinct correspondence. The committee emphasized that their advisory reflects local concerns; final licensing decisions rest with OCM and law enforcement.
