The after school program at Building One Community offers more than just tutoring, according to Idania Galicia. Her son is one of 45 Stamford Public Schools students who attend the program.
“This is a pleasant and safe location, my son has come here since kindergarten and they help many families.”
Galicia might feel differently in a short while if a cannabis dispensary by Ayr Wellness gets zoning approval to open next door at Building One’s location on 417 Shippan Ave.
While cannabis dispensaries are highly regulated by state authorities, Galicia thinks it normalizes drug use for children who attend the program.
But she’s out of luck, because while the program is in many ways considered an extension of the public school system according to Building One Community staff, the location is not a school, so the dispensary can set up shop, a quirk of the city’s zoning regulations for cannabis retailers.
Development and External Relations Director Elena Perez said she hopes the zoning board will reconsider when it decides on the building application.
“What we have is trust that the zoning board will understand, and will listen to the community, and that they will do the right thing to protect the kids the same way
