Controversial Cannabis Dispensary In Hudson County: Hearing Held

HOBOKEN, NJ — The neverending story of Story Dispensary — a recreational cannabis dispensary that would open at 14th and Hudson streets in Hoboken — was scheduled to continue Tuesday night (Nov. 1) with a hearing that may be the last chance for the public to speak on the application. The Planning Board hearing was scheduled for 7 p.m.

Neighbors in the densely populated residential area have complained about the potential traffic the business might bring. They've also started a petition and a website: no14thstreetdispensary.com READ MORE: Battle Lines Have Been Drawn Around Dispensaries In Hoboken

But proponents say a dispensary will no more harm the area than the bar-restaurants on that block, or elsewhere in the mile-square city.

In a lawsuit filed in May, the 14th Street building's condo association said that they were led to believe that Jacyln Fulop — wife of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop — and her partners, who purchased the storefront last year, intended to install a physical therapy practice there. Instead, the therapy practice opened across the street. The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice and may be filed again once a decision on the dispensary is reached.

Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher has also questioned whether there have been conflicts of interest in the matter, particularly because Mayor Fulop is a close ally of Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. One of Jaclyn Fulop's storefront co-owners participated in a pricy fundraiser involving both mayors this year.

The Hoboken City Council passed a rule earlier this year limiting dispensaries in town to six. Two medical dispensaries and at least one recreational dispensary have already received permission to open, although the latter is also being challenged in court.

Several hearings about Story have been held on the city and county level. The newest hearing will be in person at 7 p.m., Nov. 1, at the Multi Service center, 124 Grand St. (Agenda here.)

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