Schenectady Council Sets Public Hearing On Proposed Six-Month Moratorium On Vape Shops

The Schenectady Council Sets Public Hearing On Proposed Six-Month Moratorium On Vape Shops

The Schenectady City Council has announced its plans to hold a public hearing to discuss a proposed six-month moratorium on new vape shops in the city. This comes after an unspecified number of vape shops have sprung up in the city over the past year, many of which are operating without the required certificates of use, making them illegal.

The council aims to address this issue by considering a proposal similar to the 2019 moratorium passed by the town of Bethlehem. Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy has also emphasized ongoing enforcement efforts by the city’s Building Department to crack down on smoke shop code violations.

City Councilman John Mootooveren expressed the need for enforcement efforts to take their course before adopting the moratorium. He believes that if the existing process proves ineffective, then the council should take further action.

City Councilwoman Doreen Ditoro is a strong supporter of the proposed moratorium and emphasizes the importance of code enforcement in ensuring that vape shops operate legally and safely. Ditoro also shares concerns about the potential increase in vaping among the youth population.

The city law department is currently finalizing the language for the proposed moratorium, which is expected to be completed in the coming week. In addition to the vape shop moratorium, the council also discussed potential zoning restrictions for future cannabis dispensaries in the city following concerns raised by residents.

City Councilman John Polimeni has proposed restricting future dispensaries to manufacturing and warehousing districts. Mootooveren supports this proposal, although he suggests considering certain overlaps in specific areas. Ditoro agrees with the need for restrictions and expresses concerns if a dispensary were to be located near her business.

The council’s public hearing on the proposed six-month moratorium is scheduled for the meeting on August 14. The council aims to ensure transparency and has committed to publishing all related materials on the city’s website by August 9.

Overall, the City Council of Schenectady is taking proactive steps to address the proliferation of vape shops and potential issues associated with the presence of cannabis dispensaries. By considering a moratorium and implementing proper zoning restrictions, they aim to ensure compliance, safety, and the well-being of the community.