Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commercial Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Board schedules hearing on Route 50 gas-station redevelopment that would include a cannabis dispensary
Summary
Applicant proposes demolishing an existing convenience store to build a multi-tenant gas station with an in-store cannabis dispensary; the Board requested a wetland re-evaluation and scheduled a July 29 public hearing, listing the project as an Unlisted Action under SEQR and referring it to the County Planning Board.
The Town of Ballston Planning Board on June 24 set a public hearing for July 29 on a proposal to demolish the Runway Express and an adjacent house at 1402 Route 50 and build a new multi-tenant gas station and retail building that would include a cannabis dispensary tenant.
Dave Kimmer of ABD Engineers & Surveyors presented on behalf of property owner Harry Singh. Kimmer said the redevelopment replaces a prior 2024 proposal for a fast-food restaurant and that a parking-waiver previously granted would again be needed. The Town Designated Engineer asked the applicant to re-evaluate the rear of the property for wetlands through a wetland biologist due to aerial indications of wet areas and neighbor concern; although DEC-regulated wetlands were not previously mapped in the disturbance area, staff recommended confirmation.
Board members discussed whether a drive-through would be included. Kimmer said, "there is not" a proposed drive-through. Members also noted that state and town distances between cannabis establishments have changed; current distance between establishments is 200 feet while the prior 500-foot buffer remains for schools and religious facilities. The applicant will need a demolition permit before proceeding with building permits.
The Board voted to schedule the public hearing for July 29, 2026 at 6:35 p.m., and to list the project as an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and to refer the application to the County Planning Board for review.
Next steps: the applicant must complete a wetland delineation by a qualified wetland biologist, secure any necessary demolition permits, and appear at the July 29 hearing for public comment and the Board's consideration.
