Bronx restaurant site turning into cannabis dispensary soon

Riverdale, a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood in the Bronx, is abuzz with conversation and controversy. The focus? A now-empty storefront on busy Johnson Avenue that once housed a beloved Italian restaurant. The space, which carries years of nostalgia for many locals, may soon be transformed into something entirely different: a state-licensed cannabis dispensary.

An official application has been submitted to New York's Office of Cannabis Management by Green Retailer LLC, a company incorporated in June. Though the license hasn't been granted yet, the mere possibility of a dispensary opening in the area has already sparked intense debate among residents and local business owners.

The plan was even discussed at last month's Public Safety Committee meeting, where nearby resident Jason Pack voiced his strong opposition. "Terrible idea," he said. "There's already at least two dispensaries within a mile radius. I don't think that's something this neighborhood needs." Pack is among a group of residents concerned about the dispensary's proximity to schools and family spaces.

Others, however, see potential benefits—both economic and practical. Some local business owners believe the dispensary could generate new foot traffic and provide a financial boost to the area. "From a business standpoint, it's a good idea," one merchant noted. "But again, I'm not looking at it from a business standpoint. This is a very family-oriented neighborhood. I don't think it's ideal to have a dispensary so close to where there are many children."

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