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Gentlemen’s Hemp dispensary review remains unresolved; applicant threatens legal action
Summary
Applicant Joe Morreale submitted sign photos and pressed the board for a final determination on a proposed cannabis dispensary, saying delays have been costly and threatening a lawsuit if not resolved; the board continued the item to the July 6 meeting and left the public hearing open while staff pursues outstanding OCM and site‑plan items.
Joe Morreale appeared to present building sign photos for a proposed Gentlemen’s Hemp cannabis dispensary and said he has invested significant time and money. Morreale said he previously received what he understood as prior authorization from town staff to purchase the building and that the prolonged review has imposed substantial costs. Town staff disputed his characterization of prior text communications and reiterated that the site must go through Site Plan and Special Exception review under the town code.
Morreale warned that if the board does not resolve outstanding questions at the July meeting he will pursue legal action against the Town of Claverack. Rob Fitzsimmons told the board and audience he had not exchanged the texts Morreale referenced and that the board needs clear responses from the NYS Office of Cannabis Management on notice and signage; the board left the hearing open and continued the item to July 6, 2026 while identifying a punchlist (curbing, landscaping, hours, signage, parking, lighting).
