PLANNING BOARD AGENDA
Common Council Chambers
December 21, 2023 – 4:30 PM
PB Case No.: 14-23 Zone: Central Business District (CBD)
Address: 255 Genesee Street Requested Action:Site Plan Review & Special Use
Applicant: Richard Williams Permit
Owner: Flawless Diamond of Utica, LLC
Pursuant to City of Utica Zoning Code Section 2-29-125(a) and (b), the applicant is seeking approval of a Special Use Permit and Site Plan approval for a proposal to open a licensed adult use retail cannabis dispensary at 255 Genesee Street.
The applicant has stated that alterations to the building will include minor interior construction work necessary to retrofit the existing interior space into a safe, secure and functional dispensary that complements the surrounding businesses. According to the applicant, the space had previously served as a bank. The current owner purchased the property in September 2021.
As a Special Use Permit is required for this use, a public hearing is required and was held at the special meeting on November 30th. Three speakers spoke, all representing Tabernacle Baptist Church; all three speakers took issue with the proximity of the proposed dispensary in relation to the church, citing State regulations which require a 200’ buffer in such instances.
The applicant requested that the matter be tabled as there were only three Planning Board members present and approval would have required a unanimous vote.
