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Peekskill hearing reviews tighter rules for cannabis shops, consumption sites and deliveries
Summary
At a May 11 public hearing, a planning official outlined proposed zoning text changes that would restrict where cannabis dispensaries, consumption sites and delivery services can operate in Peekskill, add a 1,000-foot distancing requirement for dispensaries, lower parking minimums, and require a state license before a city special permit; local business owners urged caution pending state rules.
A public hearing before the Peekskill Common Council on May 11 focused on proposed amendments to local zoning rules that would limit where cannabis dispensaries, consumption sites and delivery services may operate and add new operating requirements.
A planning official summarized the draft changes, saying the city would remove C3, WF2 and WF3 zoning districts from eligibility for these uses and keep them limited to C1, C2, M1, M2 and M2B districts. The official said the draft also adds a 1,000-foot distancing requirement for dispensaries from sensitive uses, allows the state's new process for waiving that distance with state approval, and requires applicants to hold a state license before applying for a city special permit. "We're trying to have less proximity to residential uses," the planning official said, and "we're bringing [parking] more akin to our regular retail, which is 1 per 300 square feet." The official told the council the Planning Commission reviewed the text changes and issued a positive recommendation.
Public commenters offered mixed reactions. A Peekskill resident who spoke in favor said such businesses can revitalize vacant downtown retail and described success from an existing operator. "I've seen nothing but success from this type of business and just wanted to be in favor of the tax amendment," the resident said.
Wyquasia King, chief operating officer of King's House of Fire, asked the council to avoid moving ahead before New York State finalizes guidance on consumption lounges. King said a locally discussed cigar lounge is a private, members-only cigar business and urged the council to follow state rules first so the city does not have to reverse course later: "New York State has not yet officially approved consumption lounges for cannabis. I would just kind of follow the state first, see what they're doing on the rollout, and then make any rules and regulations that would apply to the city of Peekskill."
The planning official also said the draft tightens distancing around houses of worship, private schools and youth facilities and lowers the city's earlier high parking requirement (from 1 per 880 square feet to 1 per 300 square feet), with the Planning Commission able to make exceptions.
Mayor McKenzie closed the hearing after no additional speakers appeared in person or online. The council did not take a final vote on the zoning changes at this meeting; the hearing record was received and the Planning Commission's positive recommendation was noted.
Next steps: the council can refer the draft back to staff or the Planning Commission, or move toward formal adoption in a future meeting once any additional public input and staff revisions are complete.
