US: Beloved Binghamton Mexican Restaurant Faces Closure for New Cannabis Dispensary

US: Beloved Binghamton Mexican Restaurant Faces Closure for New Cannabis Dispensary

A well-loved Mexican restaurant in Binghamton faces potential closure as plans emerge to replace it with a marijuana dispensary. Tranquil Arc, LLC has been granted a license by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management to open a dispensary at 1167-1171 Vestal Avenue, the current site of Hacienda Mexican Restaurant.

The news has come as a shock to Hacienda’s manager and staff, who claim this is the first they have heard of the landlord’s plans. The building, owned by Vince Altadonna, previously housed a Grande Pizza restaurant and is one of Altadonna’s properties in the area.

While Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham supports the addition of a cannabis retail outlet on the city’s Southside, he opposes the dispensary’s proposed location. The Mayor voiced concerns about displacing an established and successful local business and suggested that Tranquil Arc consider using one of the city’s vacant storefronts instead. Despite his objections, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management has clarified that it cannot interfere with a landlord’s decision regarding their tenants.

Efforts to reach Altadonna for comment have so far been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the fate of Hacienda Mexican Restaurant hangs in the balance, leaving both staff and loyal patrons uncertain about its future

People are concerned that losing such a well-loved restaurant could harm the area’s unique charm. There’s also a debate about how to balance keeping local traditions alive while bringing in new businesses.

Source: WIVT – News 34

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