The City of Cortland Zoning Board of Appeals met last night at City Hall on Court Street in the City of Cortland for their monthly meeting. One of the items on the agenda was to allow an area business a variance to sell cannabis-related items in contrary to the City of Cortland’s local law No. 1 of 2022. Sale of cannabis-related products are only allowed in areas zoned GB1.
The business, addressed at 155-157 Tompkins Street, otherwise known as the A&A Mart (Citgo Gas Station). Petitioner, Fowaz Alharbi, was not present during the meeting.
The board brought up the fact of the applicant not being present, any questions the board may have, could not be answered. Board member Tom Larson, also brought up the lack of evidence of economic hardship that was said would occur if the business was not allowed to sell cannabis-related items.
It was also noted by the board that the business is in a residential district, within 500 feet of a school (Barry), and no evidence was brought to the board regarding the “need” for the products to be sold at the location (the ZBA asked in their previous meeting where the applicant was present, to submit evidence).
With nothing further to add, the ZBA voted unanimously to deny the variance to 155-157 Tompkins Street.
*Featured Image via Google*
