Discussion on Community Concerns with Property Owners Regarding Dispensary Proposal

In the last 72 hours, we have been working diligently on how this decision was made, and how information on this proposal was lacking transparency. After numerous calls and Emails with Elected officials, Community board #1 members and Agency Heads, we decided to go to the source and sit with the property owners.

After a calm and professional dialogue with the property owners and family-owned business, Mike and Catherine of Dakote Diner decided to retract their decision in moving forward with a Marijuana Dispensary. The famaily owners of Dakota Diner firmly stated they did not sign any lease with the potential operators of this dispensary and no agreement were affirmed between the two parties.

We spoke in detail regarding the operators of this potential business; "Purple Provision LLC". The operators have provided erroneous information to the owners making inaccurate statements to them stating;

• They received FULL SUPPORT FROM Community Board #1 and #2.

• The operators also made mention to Community Board#1 that a signed lease was already in place (NOT TRUE).

• The Operators intentions were unclear; Dispensary, clothing store, along with a Liquor Store in one location. (Not allowed as per NYS-OCM: Liquor Store & Dispensary)

We would like to clarify many misconceptions related to dispensaries.

• 1- Cannot open a dispensary anywhere.

• 2- Cannot open in vicinity of a full-operated school, educational facilities, youth services, child daycare. (within a preferred distance as per NYS-OCM)

• 3- Cannot open near another establishment with a valid NYS Liquor license.

• 4- Cannot operate where there is a major transportation hub for transporting students to/from schools.

This location falls short under all these prerequisite as per NYS Office of Cannabis Management.

On behalf of the Port Richmond North Shore Alliance and concerned members of the surrounding community, we want to thank owners for your decision not to move forward with the proposed cannabis dispensary at 921 Richmond Avenue.

We understand this decision followed a combination of opposition from the community, Community Board #1 Board Members, Elected officials and the discovery that the prospective operator had provided erroneous information regarding their qualifications, operational plans, and any formal lease agreement with your property.

Your responsiveness and willingness to listen to the concerns of the neighborhood is greatly appreciated. Your decision reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity and character of the Richmond Avenue corridor and protecting the quality of life for local families and businesses.

We remain available for open and respectful dialogue in the future and thank you again for prioritizing the community’s voice in this matter. We will continue to work with the family owners of Dakota Diner on issues in which they have shared with this Civic organization.