Zenleaf seeks approval for 3,000-square-foot adult-use cannabis dispensary in Town of Babylon

Zenleaf LLC representatives told the Town of Babylon Planning Board on May 4 they intend to demolish an existing roughly 1,101-square-foot structure at the southwest corner of Gaza Boulevard and New Highway and construct a new 3,000-square-foot retail adult‑use cannabis dispensary.

Nicole Blanda, an attorney with Bizelle Blanda Visconti, said the applicant reviewed and consents to the planning department's conditions and covenants for the site-plan application and described proposed site changes including closing the curb cut on Gaza Boulevard, improving the New Highway curb cut, installing new curbing and sidewalk along Gaza, and adding landscaping to improve the streetscape. "The building itself will be tucked into the northeasterly section of the property and there'll be landscaping both along Gaza Boulevard and along New Highway," Blanda said.

The applicant said the lot area is 13,763 square feet. Blanda told the board the site plan provides 15 parking spaces where 13 are required, locates the ingress/egress on New Highway, and places the refuse enclosure and a small loading area toward the north of the site. She added the site will receive upgraded drainage structures and dark‑sky‑compliant lighting.

Operator and industry representative Rinkas Satya, who said he operates two New York dispensaries, described operations and safety controls. "Everything is grown in New York, and everything is processed in New York, packaged in New York, and sold in New York," Satya said, adding that legal products include QR codes linking to third‑party lab results that show THC and cannabinoid content and other test data. Satya said deliveries would be made by sprinter vans or similar vehicles and that the applicant does not propose overnight outside storage of vehicles.

Board members asked about comparative facility size, supplier sourcing and testing. The chair emphasized that the hearing is informational and that members wanted clear public information about the regulatory framework and testing protocols. In response, counsel and the operator confirmed that independent, state‑licensed laboratories test product and that New York tracks cannabis from "seed to sale" through a state matrix system.

Blanda said the applicant expects a staffing level of about five to six employees depending on shift and activity, potentially increasing to seven or eight on busier days. The applicant indicated proposed hours would follow other town operators: Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Committee members asked whether local (Long Island) growers supply product; the applicant said there are Long Island growers and a mix of cultivation models (indoor, greenhouse and outdoor). When asked about inspections, the operator said dispensaries are subject to inspection and that inspections typically occur in response to complaints; he said licenses generally run two years and require renewal.

After questions and answers, board member Juan moved to close the informational hearing and reserve decision; board member Frank seconded. Chair called the vote and members said "Aye," and the hearing was closed with decision reserved. No final site-plan approvals or detailed conditions were adopted at the May 4 informational hearing.

The Planning Board will consider the formal site-plan application and any recommended conditions at a later meeting when a decision is scheduled to be reserved or rendered.