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Residents tell Green Tree council the permitting process failed after vape shop opening near library and schools
Summary
Planning committee members and residents expressed surprise that a small commercial space approved as a single retail use now houses a vape shop; speakers urged staff and council to review permitting, variances, parking and occupancy approvals and to consider limits on location and number of similar shops.
Several residents used the public‑comment period to press council to review planning and permitting procedures after a newly opened vape shop was permitted in a space planning believed would house a single retail use (a sandwich shop). Jeff Nataly, a member of the planning committee, said the committee reviewed the property as a one‑business site and that the addition of a second retail use (the vape shop) with a variance surprised committee members.
Nataly asked how the project advanced through permitting to occupancy and urged that planning controls be strengthened for future uses and parking viability. Another resident, Aldo R. Colotti, said the location is near a school bus route and the library and expressed concern about underage access and about signage indicating the sale of kratom, a substance that some residents view as hazardous; he requested follow up and stronger oversight. Council members replied that the planning office would investigate the permit and occupancy status and noted an outstanding question about whether an occupancy permit had yet been issued.
Council did not take immediate regulatory action during the meeting but heard multiple residents ask for a clearer, more transparent permitting process and improved interdepartmental checks to prevent unexpected uses from being established in the borough.
