The Hoboken Planning Board spent about four-and-a-half hours on one witness at their first Story Dispensary hearing last night despite allowing residents to ask questions until about 11:30 p.m.
Just after 7 p.m., Board Chair Frank Magaletta explained that both the applicant and the objector would present their case, which includes expert testimony, cross examination of those experts, residents asking experts questions, and then public comment.
Commissioner Jim Doyle, also a councilman-at-large and a the council’s designee on the board, wanted to ensure that the project didn’t require a C variance, since that would be beyond the board’s purview.
“A D variance is needed in this case. There is a requirement of ordinance that there be a loading zone located on the block for any retail or service business use,” explained Board Counsel Scott Carlson.
“This is a conditional use and/or conditional placed upon by ordinance – specifically again 196-33:1. If any of those conditions is not met, it then does become a use variance known as a D-3 variance and the matter is cognizable in front of the zoning board of adjustment and not the planning board.”
Carlson continued that the loading zone is not a conditional use on this project, and therefore, would require a C of bulk variance in his opinion, which the planning board could grant.
Aaron Epstein, a business partner who will provide management services for Story, was the only witness who gave testimony last night and he began by reiterating many basic facts that had been mentioned at the cannabis review board and county planning board.
For example, he said there would be 15-20 employees, a maximum occupancy of 91 people, about 80-100 customers a day, two armed guards, and a handful of active cash registers.
He also said they were working on an agreement with Little Man Parking to alleviate parking concerns, stating later that they would go “above and beyond” what other businesses were doing on this front.
Martin Cabalar, counsel for 14th Street Condominium Association, Inc. who is suing Story, questioned Epstein on why he testified before the CRB that they would not need armed guards to transport cannabis from the parking garage to the facility.
“I think at the time we were also contemplating delivery vehicles parking on the street or a potential loading zone, so based on feedback from the city and the county, we kind of completely shifted our plans for that specific loading area and use of the security guard in the garage and then using the security guard to secure that process.”
Cabalar then asked if he had notified the cannabis review board of the change and he said he did not. When asked if the applicant had, he said he was unsure.
After a few board members asked some simple clarification questions, residents were allowed to question Epstein about the project.
When Mary Ondrejka asked what type of weapon the security guards would use, he said it was whatever they are SORA certified with, also noting he had never seen the guards use rifles, only handguns, in his experience.
Additionally, Joe Wisniewski was one of the more relentless residents to approach Epstein, often interrupting him and adamantly disagreeing with his replies.
“Hoboken overwhelmingly voted for legalization … The reason that it’s important to have a dispensary in uptown Hoboken is when you have to travel for this product, it’s gonna more negatively impact your low-income individuals,” Epstein rationalized.
“It’s the same reason you would want a liquor store up on 14th Street versus having to go to the PATH. You shouldn’t be burdened to have to travel because it’s legal in the state and it has been made illegal for the last 60-plus years.”
Wisniewski was far from done, later in his 15-minute or so exchange asking if Epstein would be comfortable walking past a dispensary with a guard armed “with a machine gun” with his wife and kids.
Despite Magaletta advising Epstein that he didn’t have to answer the question, he did any way, indicating that he would be comfortable before a woman screamed out “you’re a big liar!”
She continued on for a few moments before Magaletta shouting back that there would be no interrupting from the audience.
“Look: there’s two things I have to say: one is that in my other medical facility, we had well over 100 underage patients, some as young as six months old, that were medical patients that would come to the facility,” Epstein replied, noting that some banks, jewelry stores, and bodegas all have armed guards.
“Tell me a place right now, I know you don’t live in town, but tell me one place right now that has an armed guard? None! You don’t know because you don’t live in town no more, there isn’t one, I answered the question for you: is that okay?,” Wisniewski replied to laughter from the crowd.
Epstein, who said he’s been involved in the cannabis industry for six years, also discussed why he felt the amount of traffic it would bring to the area has been exaggerated.
His explanation was that with up to a dozen dispensaries coming to Jersey City, along with locations in Secaucus and North Bergen, this would not be the only one in the area by any means. Despite this fact, he said story still planned on offering a delivery service.
Nicole Magana asked if Story had done any research about the patronage at Pier 13, which is likely to attract the same clientele as their dispensary.
“There was a suggestion that 72 percent of people will frequent our establishment … I don’t think that’s reasonable just because they support marijuana,” Epstein replied.
2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, who had urged her neighbors to attend the meeting and oppose the project, noted that neighboring Union City and Weehawken had prohibited dispensaries and that North Bergen would only have two locations on opposite ends of Tonnelle Avenue.
She also questioned Epstein on if he was familiar with the extremely densely populated neighborhood dispensary would be operating in, which includes many young families.
“The fact that a dispensary is located about Hoboken is not going to turn children into potheads, just as is Sparrow is not going to turn into alcoholics … maybe ask bars to remove signs that advertise $2 mimosas,” he replied.
“Our establishment is going to be discreet and it really frustrates me when people sling around misinformation that just because we exist, that all of a sudden, parenting your own children doesn’t matter.”
He also suggested treating the dispensary just like a kid walking by a liquor store.
The not in my back yard sentiment from residents took the meeting past 11:30 p.m. in what was a mostly tepid affair that saw a short recess from about 9:05 to 9:20 p.m.
With Epstein still likely to face questions on redirect and the further cross examination, Magaletta decided it was time to call it a night, scheduling their next hearing for August 2nd at 7 p.m. in a motion that passed unanimously (9-0).
Oh what a tangled web these perspective cannabis dealers weave when first the chose to deceive.
People fail to understand how a politician’s weed shop can benefit so many local politicians.
The kicks will keep kicking! This can make Ravi and Russo so very happy. Think about them.
Oh look at how many over 55 white woman “KARENS” dragged their old husbands along in the picture above. Entitlement wont rule the day this time.
I think Jackie Fulop’s husband will make sure his wife will get her way, gets paid and that will overrule dozens of so called “Karen’s” who are fighting to protect their neighborhood.
“Fighting to protect their neighborhood” Yea from Putains Pot heads mafia of death and destruction… If you were open minded enough to be educated; the fear that breeds distain in your brain will be freed from your week and feeble premiss.
This is a battle of two white entitled parties. Karens vs. White politicians from JC.
I attended the meeting. In general, I am in favor of dispensaries and in favor of replacing empty storefronts with locally owned retail. The whole Fulop thing smells a little funny, I can’t lie. So I went into the meeting generally supporting the project, but open to hearing opposing viewpoints and changing my mind.
The temper tantrum that these grown adults threw absolutely solidified my support for the dispensary. There was no unifying theme of the opposition–people desperate for attention peppered the witness with “gotcha” questions that didn’t prove anything. “People will come from pier 13, what do you think of that?” is not the point prover that these people thought it was!!! The crowd would interrupt regularly. It seemed to me that a few people got the idea that this dispensary might depress the value of their condo, so they threw a bunch of hot button issues (kids, guns, traffic / parking) at the wall and tried to get people riled up.
Well you succeeded. I am riled up. I am going to attend every PB meeting for this application until it is approved. Not going to let a small group of motivated pearl clutchers pretending to worry about their kids (while actually worrying about their property value) run the city. The overwhelming majority of people in Hoboken either support this project. But the only people motivated enough to show up are the ones who’s pockets will be affected.
See you in august.
Coward who hides their name
Millington acting like a “hulligan” you should beg for a “mulligan” after that week n impotent shot.. “Millington” sounds like you belong to a white country golf club, raised with absolutely NO street smarts. Giving out your address to challenge people to fight for merely stating other view points. Yikes… sleep well with your immature decision.
You don’t think people of color can have the surname Millington? or Live I a high end condo? Wow just wow!
Too bad Fulop has to resort to dividing Hoboken as he cant live where his wife really wishes she lived and has to keep up appearances and live in Jersey Sh!tty Heights on a crappy street
weak and feeble try to flip it hulligan
you just proved your entitlement by calling all of Jersey city heights “Jersey Shitty”. And gave out your home address Jeff Millington 1000 maxwell . and challenged them…. Person of color would never do that Millington who lives in the high rise!!!
I told you that you have absolutely no street smarts.
Did you see how old and white everyone was there that were (hiding) complaining about protecting there kids. They dont have any young kids, they are so old and bitter, if anything there acting like the spoiled brats..
If they were using legit premis, than truly look and stick to JC politicians wifes handling of said obtained property. By conflating it with hot button issues, waters down any potential valid claims.
Was that written by a paid person?
Race Baiting
Calling Jersey City ” Shitty” is not calling the people of color of that town “Shitty”
Poor attempt
You called everyone that lives in JC SHIT!! cats outa the bag fool, these are your exact words… You have done nothing to contribute to this thread moving forward. So far you gave your home address Jeff Millington 1000 Maxwell. Challenge another person to fight, tried to weekly call person racist, than called people of JC Heights pieces of SHIT!!!. ALL facts, all your words…
You have caused this conversation to retrograde to acting like simians, inhibiting our communities process of evolution. Which is communication.
I choose not to communicate with your fear based anger mongering no more.
Fulop, his ‘ not co-owner ‘wife’ ( must not file taxes together ) LOL and their business partner are white. Sure they have ONE woman who the brought in as a ” partner” who is going to run the place… Bet she put up all the money too… she saved up living in affordable housing?
https://jcitytimes.com/former-fulop-insider-tom-bertoli-now-headed-to-trial/
Im pro dispensary… I do appreciate you bring up issues with Fulop former employee legal issues. Instead of trying smoke, mirrors, and rage. Sticking to a premiss will help change my mind, if They can be tied to crookedness with story, than I vote against.
Are you saying Italians are “greasy” ?
Bertoli is a going on trial for bad accusations and he ran Fulop’s campaigns for decades
Also worked with Russo…
Boy the more one googles Fulop, the more one learns he’s a typical Hudson County Mayor…
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-06-28/jersey-city-s-renaissance-puts-mayor-s-ally-in-a-squeeze
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