J.D. Properties, the owner of a 1.6-acre parcel located at the corner of Southwestern Boulevard and Taylor Road, has confirmed that a developer is seeking permission from the town to build a drive-thru for a cannabis dispensary.
The identity of the cannabis business owner remains undisclosed.
Mixed Messages
The parcel is currently vacant but has been eyed by the developer as a potential location for a cannabis dispensary with a drive-thru. However, the town has a ban on drive-thrus in the area surrounding the Village of Orchard Park. This ban is currently under litigation.
The issue of drive-thrus has been a contentious one in Orchard Park, as the Town Board has approved drive-thrus in other nearby areas. (Just this month, a drive-thru was approved for Jim’s Steak-Out on Orchard Park Road.)
This has led some to question the inconsistency of the town's stance on drive-thrus. Some members of the community argue that if the town is willing to approve a drive-thru for one business, it should be willing to do the same for others.
Citizens are Voicing Concern
Many in the community remain skeptical of drive-thrus and the negative impact they may have on traffic and safety. Opponents argue that allowing more drive-thrus in the area could worsen an already difficult traffic situation and put pedestrians and other drivers at risk.
The proposed cannabis dispensary itself has also been a point of contention in the community. While some see it as an opportunity to bring in new business and revenue, others are concerned about ramifications such as increased crime and drug use.
The fact that the identity of the cannabis business owner has not been disclosed has added to the tension surrounding the issue. Some are calling for more transparency from the town and the developer.
This controversy highlights the challenges facing communities as they navigate the legalization of cannabis and the opening of new businesses. Balancing concerns about traffic, safety, and crime with the economic benefits of new businesses is a delicate task, and one that requires careful consideration and community input.
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