Cannabis, sidewalks, parking, policing and public infrastructure all converged during Tuesday’s Watkins Glen Village Board meeting, where trustees fielded a request to rethink the village’s cannabis zoning, heard calls for a broader commitment to walkability, and approved a series of measures aimed at strengthening village operations.
While many of the board’s votes involved routine business, several discussions pointed to larger issues facing the village, including downtown development, public safety staffing and the ongoing challenge of balancing economic growth with community character.
Among the evening’s most notable presentations was one from licensed cannabis operator Jeff Jones, who asked village officials to reconsider where cannabis businesses are permitted after describing what he believes is an overly restrictive zoning framework that effectively prevents licensed operators from locating in Watkins Glen.
Cannabis entrepreneur asks village to revisit zoning
Jones, who operates a New York-licensed adult-use cannabis microbusiness and lives in Ithaca, said he hopes to open a dispensary at 401 Fourth St., the former Mexican restaurant building.
He praised the village for originally opting into New York’s adult-use cannabis program but argued that subsequent zoning regulations leave virtually no viable commercial locations for licensed dispensaries.
Jones said the current zoning limits cannabis businesses to an industrial district where the available properties are either occupied by national retailers that are unlikely to lease to cannabis businesses or consist of municipal facilities that cannot legally accommodate a dispensary.
Instead, he proposed locating the business in a less-trafficked area away from the village’s pedestrian core. He described his business model as intentionally small, saying his microbusiness license limits production while allowing cultivation and retail sales from the same operation.
Jones also emphasized that he intends to operate responsibly, distancing his proposal from the unlicensed cannabis shops that previously operated in the village. He said he would encourage customers to purchase products and leave rather than consume cannabis near the storefront, while also exploring community-oriented uses for the remainder of the building.
Mayor Peter G. Cherock told Jones the request would ultimately need to move through the village’s zoning and planning review process rather than the Village Board.
Residents call for renewed focus on sidewalks and walkability
Public comment centered largely on pedestrian safety and deteriorating sidewalks throughout the village.
Former Village Trustee Mark Stephanie urged the board to think beyond repairs to the deteriorating staircase connecting the West Hill and instead develop a comprehensive strategy for improving walkability throughout Watkins Glen.
Stephanie said decades of inconsistent sidewalk maintenance have left much of the village disconnected, particularly on the West Hill, where he estimated more than a dozen streets lack sidewalks altogether. He encouraged trustees to establish a walkability committee made up of village officials, residents and business representatives to develop a long-term maintenance strategy and prioritize future improvements.
He also argued that new development should routinely include sidewalk construction and suggested the village establish an ongoing committee to monitor progress rather than relying on one-time projects.
Another resident supported the comments, warning that deteriorated sidewalks present both safety concerns and potential liability for the village. Mayor Cherock acknowledged there are problem areas and said the village’s code enforcement office has been working to address sidewalk issues, though he noted staffing demands have slowed progress.
Cherock also suggested the village’s ongoing comprehensive plan update could provide an opportunity to address pedestrian connectivity more broadly.
Police grant, parking and summer events move forward
Trustees unanimously authorized the Watkins Glen Police Department to apply for the federal Fiscal Year 2026 Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, Hiring Program grant.
Village officials emphasized that approving the application does not authorize hiring another police officer, but instead allows the department to compete for grant funding that could offset the cost of adding another position in the future.
The board also approved a memorandum of agreement incorporating a detective position into the police union’s collective bargaining agreement and formally recreated the civil service title of police chief after learning the designation had expired because it had not been used for an extended period.
Several summer recreation and event requests also received approval, including the Odessa-Montour Watkins Glen Wrestling Camp beach wrestling event and Porchfest Watkins Glen.
A proposal allowing Lucky Hare Brewing Co. to sell beer during the Tuesday night concert series and farmers market generated the evening’s longest discussion. Trustees questioned logistics, insurance requirements and alcohol management before agreeing to approve the request on a four-event trial basis rather than for the entire summer schedule.
The brewery’s representatives said staff are trained in responsible alcohol service and have extensive experience operating temporary beer sales at community events throughout the region.
Infrastructure projects and parking plans continue
Trustees approved several infrastructure-related purchases and projects during the meeting.
The board authorized the purchase of a landscape trailer for the Water Department, approved a resolution allowing the village to piggyback on an Onondaga County purchasing contract for a new Water Department truck, and authorized more than $3,100 to replace a cone seal on equipment at the wastewater treatment plant.
The board also approved the use of Joint Wastewater Capital Reserve funds for installation and testing of an effluent pump system, accepted the village’s general audit totaling $354,881.33 and hired Dustin Potter as a parking enforcement attendant at $18 per hour.
Trustees also voted to surplus ice rink equipment after concluding the seasonal operation was no longer financially sustainable. Mayor Cherock said engineering analysis indicated the rink would never recover its operating costs through user fees.
Looking ahead, village officials reported progress on a new paid parking agreement with property owner Phil McGuire that would convert the former McGuire property into a municipal pay-to-park lot. Officials said the village’s attorney is drafting a license agreement, and trustees discussed the possibility of discounted seasonal parking passes for people who work in Watkins Glen while also emphasizing the need for strong liability protections before any agreement is finalized.
The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session to discuss personnel matters.
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