Taxing Long Island
News12 New York
Download the App
Where to Watch
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files
Stony Brook Medicine
FIFA World Cup

Bronx dispensary faces community backlash, potential closure due to its distance to school

A recent error admitted by the Office of Cannabis Management now finds that dispensaries can't be within 500 feet of a school's property line.

Aurora Fowlkes

Aug 1, 2025, 6:54 PM

Updated

Share:

Adult cannabis dispensary Hush is facing a potential shutdown from the state due to its proximity to a school.

The dispensary has been open in Williamsbridge for over a year.

A recent error admitted by the Office of Cannabis Management now finds that dispensaries can't be within 500 feet of a school's property line.

The dispensary is located across the street from P.S. 89 - The Williamsbridge School Middle school.

Some residents say it shouldn't have been open in the first place.

"It should be placed farther from the school," said resident Pheobe Collins. "There are lots of students."

Others, like District 80 Assembly Member John Zaccaro, Jr., disagree, noting that context is key.

"We can have a successful program, while also making sure that we don't encroach on quality-of-life and public safety," said Zaccaro.

Levent Ozkuart, vice president of Hush, says the looming deadline of his shop's potential closing could cost him the loss of products and his life savings.

Ozkuart argues that he should be grandfathered into the law because he originally followed the rules and regulations prior to the mishap.

"Guidelines were, you have to 500 feet away from a school - we're 528 door-to-door," he says.

The Office of Cannabis Mangement tells News 12 that alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul, it is "planning to propose a legislative amendment to cannabis law during the 2026 legislative session that applies to impacted licensees and applicants."

Top Stories

blaise swastika fix

Blooming Grove police investigate vandalism at town park after swastika graffiti found

02:02
headlines HV

Showers are here to start Earth Day!

00:23
422026WCgang_2026-04-22-05-55-03

Man accused of murder and drug trafficking taken into ICE custody after traffic stop

01:50
RTWCHVWoodburyCommonRobberiesBGomez5pm_2026-04-21-17-22-06

New video shows suspects ransacking Gucci store during Woodbury Common smash-and-grab

00:16
4222026HAVERSTRAWFIRE_2026-04-22-06-13-33

Fire damages Haverstraw laundromat along Route 9W

00:18
Screenshot 2026-04-22 054755

Teen’s death in Millbrook leads to 25‑year sentence for her brother

00:36
RTWCHVSVBodyUpdate04212026VO10pm_2026-04-21-22-11-31

Spring Valley man arrested in connection to body found under truck

00:18
4222026YONKERSPOLICECRASH_2026-04-22-06-12-45

Two Yonkers police officers injured in crash while responding to burglary call

02:36
Screenshot 2026-04-22 052558

The Voice of the Subway: Meet Bernie Wagenblast, the person behind the MTA’s most familiar announcement

01:34
WC 10P TUES_SVFire_ajc_2026-04-21-22-07-29

Residents displaced after serious house fire in Spring Valley

01:29
RTWCHVWorldCupBarPermitJHopwood10pm_2026-04-21-22-35-31

World Cup boost for local businesses; ticket prices out of reach for many fans

01:46
Screenshot 2026-04-22 060242

Mount Kisco parents raise safety concerns after men detained near elementary school during recess

01:39
RTWCHVPutnamMurderConvictionBNandy5pm_2026-04-21-17-21-17

Putnam prosecutors' plea deal to suspect in 2008 murder: Admit to minor offense and get out of jail now

01:33
RTWCHVTarrytownRatsLDValle5pm_2026-04-21-17-25-01

Residents in Sleepy Hollow Terraced Garden Apartments voice concerns over mold, vermin & more

02:05
Screenshot 2026-04-21 124622

New details revealed on investigation into antisemitic incident at Scarsdale HS

00:49
4212026DURANRELEASED_2026-04-21-06-00-12

Convicted NYPD sergeant from Mahopac makes bail, released from prison during appeal

00:28
4212026ROCKLANDILLEGALDUMPING_2026-04-21-06-01-14

Driver ticketed after illegal dumping halted at state park in Rockland County

00:17
4212026WCcrash_2026-04-21-05-28-58

Car crashes into sculpture and street light at Ossining intersection

00:30
4212026POUGHKEEPSIEPUBCLOSED_2026-04-21-06-00-44

City police shut down bar, arrest bartenders for underage drinking in Poughkeepsie

01:48
WC 10P MON_Route22Funding_ajc_2026-04-20-22-08-57

Route 22 in ‘critical condition.’ Experts say repairs could cost tens of millions

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices