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ZBA denies smoke-shop variance for 1987 Main St, cites lack of hardship
Summary
The Zoning Board denied a request to allow a smoke shop at 1987 Main Street, concluding the application did not demonstrate the non-economic parcel-based hardship required by the zoning code and noting recent code changes treating smoke shops similarly to liquor uses.
The Bridgeport Zoning Board of Appeals voted to deny a variance that would have permitted a smoke shop at 1987 Main Street.
Attorney Ricardo Lasserte, representing the applicant for 1987 Main Street, said his client faced difficulty finding rental space and noted that several pre-existing smoke shops in the city had been approved before a recent code change that now requires 750-foot separation from protected uses. "It's a new regulation...it makes smoke shops similar to liquor," he told the board.
A nearby property owner spoke in support of the applicant, saying the proprietor maintains the premises and that the permit would help her pay mortgages and taxes.
Board members said the applicant did not demonstrate a qualifying hardship beyond economic difficulty. The board moved to deny the variance for "invalid hardship" and the motion carried.
The denial reflects application of the zoning variance standard; the board did not adopt conditions or offer relief. The applicant may pursue other zoning or property options but did not obtain the requested variance at the meeting.
