NY Cannabis Retailers Continue To Be Stuck In Limbo

From Great Neck to Riverhead and points across Long Island, people took a moment yesterday to remember the nearly 3,000 victims of the nation's worst terror attack, and the toll in lives it has taken in the years since September 11, 2001. They performed familiar, somber rituals: reading aloud the names of the dead, laying wreaths, tolling bells and observing moments of silence. Newsday Staff reports that in Calverton, two dozen people gathered at the Riverhead World Trade Center Memorial to remember the firefighters, cops and other first responders who died in the attacks. “They left home not knowing they would never return home to hug their loved ones or continue on with their lives,” said Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar, who was an NYPD sergeant on 9/11. A row of United States flags lined the perimeter of Riley Avenue around the memorial site. Flowers were placed in front of a plaque that read: “In memory of those who perished and served at the World Trade Center, Sept. 11, 2001.” Spearheading the project was Hal Lindstrom, 75, of Calverton. Lindstrom recalled Monday how he woke one morning not long after the attacks and told his wife he was going to build a memorial. He drew two circles on a piece of paper and brought it to Riverhead's Town Hall as an initial blueprint. Former Riverhead Town Councilman Jim Wooten led a prayer to remember those killed. “We also struggle even now with the lives that were lost and those who valiantly responded and willingly put themselves in harm's way and paid the ultimate cost,” he said. ***Smithtown’s town board has approved a zoning change that will allow a proposal for a multi-restaurant project in Hauppauge to move forward despite neighborhood opposition. Jean-Paul Salamanca reports on Newsday.com that legislators voted 5-0 at a Sept. 5 meeting to approve the rezoning of an empty 4.18-acre parcel on Route 111 from office business to neighborhood business. The approval, following a June recommendation from the planning board, brings a project closer to fruition that calls for the construction of a Taco Bell, a Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers restaurant and two yet-to-be-determined businesses. A final site plan approval for the project will require a vote by both the planning and town boards at a yet-to-be-determined date, according to Smithtown Town officials. The plan calls for the construction of three buildings with a combined 9,332 square feet, two of which would house the fast food restaurants. The third building would be divided for use by two other to-be-determined tenants, according to the plan. The property was formerly the home of a Blockbuster video store, a Burger King and two small office buildings that since have been demolished. The land has been vacant for several years, which played a role in the town board’s decision to rezone the property, according to Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “It’s been a blighted sight for quite some time. Just like we’ve done with a lot of other blighted sights, we try to fit the proper development in them.” ***Peconic Bay Medical Center has received a $250,000 donation from the Polish Town Civic Association in Riverhead for the construction of the hospital’s new expansions, the hospital announced yesterday. Alek Lewis reports on Riverheadlocal.com that the Polish Town Civic Association executive board stated, “As an organization deeply rooted in the Riverhead community, the Polish Town Civic Association is honored to support Peconic Bay Medical Center’s expansion plans. Our mission has always been to empower the Riverhead community, and we believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental aspect of