‘Weed Shop’ Across from School Playground Rejected by Officials, Plans to Open Anyway
Work is continuing at the former Alba Bar Cafe on Williamsbridge Road, despite the location being opposed due to the close proximity of a school. -Photo by David Greene
By David Greene
Bronx Voice
June 16, 2023
BRONX - Contractors remodeling the former Alba Bar Cafe located at 2460 Williamsbridge Road continue working despite a sound rejection of the location regarding the opening of a legal marijuana dispensary across the street from the P.S. 89 schoolyard.
Workers were busy installing commercial size air-conditioners at the site of the proposed "Cannabis Emporium" on May 23, hours before the community board would vote against the site.
City Council candidate (D-13) Irene Estrada said of the proposal, "I don't know what was discussed when they made these laws. I don't know if the discussion was in certain areas or if it's a free-for-all when it comes to this particular issue.”
Estrada and the 12 members of the community board were against having the site open directly across the street from the schoolyard; however the Bronx Voice found an alleged illegal weed shop on the block that is already open and conducting business.
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One worker of the pot shop currently allegedly conducting illegal business told the Bronx Voice, "I don't want to speak for them because they have violations... they got caught up before.”
A woman behind the counter of the shop, believed to be the manager of the alleged illegal dispensary, was asked about the community's opposition to the other dispensary being across the street from the schoolyard, the woman replied, "No, I don't sell to children. There were mad little children that just came, and I was not selling to them.”
It is unknown how long the shop has been open, but the glass front door had already been shattered.
According to Taylor Randi Lee, the press coordinator for the Office of Cannabis Management stated that there are currently 17 licensed shops in New York City and 18 licenses have been granted to businesses in the Bronx.
Illegal weed shops caught selling cannabis can have their marijuana confiscated as well as face fines of $10,000 per day.
Meanwhile, the city officials announced that marijuana can be sold at green markets and concert halls this summer.
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