Planning Board schedules public hearing for Elevated Dreams cannabis dispensary amid parking and licensing questions

The Town of Newburgh Planning Board voted July 17 to schedule a public hearing Aug. 7 for Elevated Dreams’ amended site plan and special‑use permit for a cannabis retail dispensary at 190 South Plank Road.

Floyd Johnson, the applicant’s representative, said revised plans depict additional parking to address a shortfall; the submission still fell short of the 60 spaces the board’s consultant said are required. Shawn Campbell, who identified himself as holding a provisional cannabis license, said he would submit the provisional paperwork to staff. Code Compliance Officer Jim Campbell told the applicant cargo containers on the site are not permitted without permits and that a prior complaint about the freestanding sign will be updated.

Planning Board Attorney Dominic Cordisco and staff said a public hearing is required because the application includes a special permitted use and because the site plan presently shows fewer spaces than required; Cordisco advised that any approval will require a license as a condition or clear proof of licensing. Board members voted unanimously to add the public hearing to the Aug. 7 agenda and instructed staff to circulate required notices and materials.

Pat Hines of MH&E cautioned that County and DOT referrals may be required and reminded the applicant that the Board expects clear site plans showing the additional parking and striping details before the hearing. The Board also noted that applications for cannabis retail typically include demonstration of a state license as part of the approval record.