A project known as “Green Leaf - Cannabis Dispensary” made an initial appearance on Thursday, Feb. 15 to the Town of Newburgh Planning Board. The project, submitted as a special use permit application, proposes to convert a vacant space at 1400 Route 300 into a new cannabis dispensary.

The project was represented by Joseph Morris, a general contractor. The survey plan was prepared by AFR Engineering & Land Surveying P.C. of Monroe. The proposed location for the new dispensary has active businesses that include Saxon Hall Axes and Ales, Mattress Firm, Fusion at Union, Hannoush Jewelers and Studio 787.

The footprint space is 2,450 square feet. “The entrance is going to be to the rear of the building so there won’t be any facing on the street at all,” said Morris.

A dumpster enclosure, planned to be secured, is located on the site where cannabis products would be disposed of so as to not be used anymore. The building plans include a security vestibule system where customers would be screened before entering.

“They [customers] go in, there’s a retail counter, and then there’s a separate exit. So it’s in one way, screened, out another way; there’s no commingling of entrances,” said Morris.

A vault with a separate entrance is also included in the plans. Security cameras would be in the facility and limits on purchased products would also be tracked. The point of sale system is linked to the Office of Cannabis Management in Albany, according to Morris.

The pylon sign on Route 300 is currently under zoning review, Morris said. Once review is completed, signs for the business would be along Rt. 300 and additional signs would lead customers to the facility entrance. Signage would be required to not display cannabis paraphernalia or products.

With the existing parking lot, the request from the planning board was for more lighting for the customers. Lighting fixtures were proposed on the building itself to illuminate more area according to Morris. Hours of operation were not immediately shared but Morris would look into that for the board.

Patrick Hines of MHE Engineering discussed in his memo that the project was appearing that night as a special use permit application with the proposal as a cannabis dispensary.

Several items needing to be addressed included a stamp of a design professional, identification of the structure that would be used, and review of parking calculations, signage and lighting details.

The business will also be required to have a valid cannabis license issued by New York State for their permitted use to be considered. Morris said he would acquire a copy for the town.

Under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, the project is considered a Type II action, meaning there are no significant impacts to the environment and it does not require further review. A submission to the Orange County Department of Planning will be required and adjoiner’s notices would also need to be submitted. The project is a special use and so a public hearing is required.