CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- Emotions were high at Monday's city council meeting in Corning, where the city's cannabis laws were in question.  The council voted to pass an amendment to the law in a five to four vote, bringing the city into compliance with New York State Office of Cannabis Management regulations.

"This resolution presents one question and one question only.  The question is, will the City of Corning bring this local law regulating cannabis use and sales into compliance with the state laws?" said Corning Mayor Bill Boland.

The council voted to strike the a portion of the local law, changing the guidelines where legal cannabis shops can operate.  Guidelines now say shops can't be on the same road and within 200 feet of the nearest entrance of a house of worship, or on the same road and within 500 feet of the nearest entrance of a school or public youth facility. The old guidelines were more restrictive.  They said shops could not operate within a 500 foot radius of a community facility or school.  Community facilities were defined as day cares, public parks, playgrounds, public swimming pools, libraries, or youth centers.

During the public hearing, many spoke their opinions against this change, including some council members.

"As a resident, I've been here for 30 years. I wouldn't want anything like that around where kids can get to it, or adults can get to it," said one resident.

"I am angry. I want my son to be able to go to school here, but...I don't want to have to send him to kindergarten and walk him to school with a dispensary right next door. Are you kidding me?" said Corning Deputy Mayor Alison Hunt.

Mayor Bill Boland says changing the law to follow OCM guidelines is what needed to happen.

"Clearly there's emotion high on both sides of this. Some people yes, some people no, some people good, some people bad.  But, bottom line, when the state issues law, final regulations, you are obliged to follow that law," said Mayor Boland.

Josh Canfield works for Union Chill, a legal dispensary looking to set up shop in Corning. The company bought the former Corning Leader building on Pultney Street. Canfield said with this help of this law, legal cannabis shops will help bring business to the city.

"We will be one of the first in state, and one of the first in Steuben County to bring this to the head. We are licensed, we are state regulated.  There's no shadow games, no loop holes, what the state regulations are, we have to follow," said Josh Canfield, the managing partner for the New York branches of Union Chill.

Since the vote passed, this sets the stage for legal cannabis stores to operate in Corning, with the proper licenses and permits.  This also puts the city in full compliance with New York State OCM regulations.  Other guidelines deal with time, place, and manner of operation of these shops.  

Canfield says Union Chill aims to open by spring 2024, in the former Corning Leader building.  He says they are fully licensed and regulated, and are excited to join the Corning community.