The Croton Planning Board delved into the logistics of neighborhood safety, traffic flow, and security Tuesday night during a review of the proposed Mindset Cannabis Shop at 370 South Riverside Avenue. The application, which seeks a change of use from the former Dairy Mart deli to a state-licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary, has been the subject of significant resident interest due to its location at a busy village gateway [R1, R2]. Represented by attorney Mickey Weiss, the applicant argued that the dispensary would be a "less intense use" [unverified] to 9:30 PM, Weiss said, though he indicated flexibility on the closing time if the board deemed it necessary for neighborhood tranquility. The presentation focused heavily on security and operational controls to address concerns about public safety. Vincent Silvestri, the designated operator, detailed strict ID checks intended to prevent underage access. "IDs are checked twice. Right? The second you walk in, you're checked at the door. We scan you through Verascan. It's it's it's a software system that can tell whether or not IDs are fake or real. Okay? And so you can't get" {{quote:591}} past the door, Silvestri said. He added that a second check occurs at the register to verify the age of the customer before they leave with the product. All cannabis products are pre-packaged and opaque, a standard Silvestri described by saying, "that is not see through. So it's a discreet package. You're gonna walk out, and you're gonna go to your car, and you're gonna leave." {{quote:666}} Regarding deliveries, which often spark concerns about commercial trucking in residential areas, the applicant clarified that goods would arrive in unmarked vans. "Like so you're not you're not talking about, like, an 18 wheeler coming into the village and parking. Like, you're talking about a car being able to park in a normal parking lot." {{quote:832}} Parking availability emerged as a central issue, with the applicant proposing a mitigation plan to ensure spots are reserved for patrons rather than employees. Weiss stated they had secured two additional permits from the village and would utilize train station parking for staff. "permits for the parking lot that sits at the end of Benedict Street. He told me we can get two of them. So, that would bring it up to eight and then, we will also to the extent necessary, we'll get a parking permit over at the train station to satisfy the parking requirements of nine. So, we should be good with respect to the required parking spots," {{quote:431}} Weiss said. Board members pressed the applicant to formalize this arrangement. "if necessary, parking the cars down at the train station. There are spots much closer to your proposed location that would serve your employees well for parking. They just have to walk up the hill and Right. That's fine. That's great. We'll we'll do that. Absolutely. And we can make that" {{quote:3103}} Weiss agreed. The board also discussed the physical layout of the parking lot, which currently serves the apartment building above the store. Several trustees noted that the current markings are confusing and lead to unauthorized parking. "I also saw while I was there, counting, I saw somebody pull up, park in one of the tenant spots and go into the deli. So if you can mark them better than they are marked, they'll Yeah. To Absolutely. Have good relationships with the apartment building and with the tenants. Right?" {{quote:3164}} a board member observed. Weiss agreed to restripe the lot and add "customer parking only" [unverified] a board member stated. Weiss responded that cutting hours without evidence of a problem would be unfair. However, not all feedback was supportive. During the public comment portion, several residents argued the location was inappropriate due to its proximity to Happy Hearts daycare and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. "This is not like Tarrytown where there are already businesses on that street that people are walking to. There's restaurants, there's bars. This strip is really" {{quote:4684}} residential in nature, argued resident Drew Manila, noting the added traffic pressure on an intersection already used by commuters accessing the train station. Other residents questioned the security claims and the potential for loitering. "urge the planning board to deny this proposal and honestly, I feel bad for you guys because they keep going back and forth on what they throw on you and I feel like you're constantly bearing the brunt of things that are very very" {{quote:4945}} contentious, said Susan Screlia. In response to the opposition, Weiss emphasized the company's track record in Tarrytown and their desire to be a "good partner" [unverified] licensed cannabis, Weiss argued. The board did not vote on the application Tuesday night. The discussion is expected to continue as the board evaluates whether to impose specific conditions, such as modified operating hours or strict parking enforcement, as part of any eventual approval.