Construction has begun on the long‑awaited cannabis dispensary at 1041 State Street in New Haven’s East Rock neighborhood, and owner David Salinas says the shop could open this winter. Salinas, a principal of Let’s Grow Hartford LLC, outlined the timeline during the East Rock Community Management Team’s monthly Zoom meeting on Monday.
Construction timeline and licensing
Exploratory demolition started a few weeks ago, followed by masonry work on Monday. Salinas estimates a 120‑day construction window, which includes obtaining a final license from the state Department of Consumer Protection. “In a perfect world, I’d say that our construction timeline is 120 days or less,” he said, adding that the holidays make a winter opening realistic.
Provisional state license and existing stores
The business already holds a provisional state license, effective August 5, and will retain that status until the building requirements are met and a final license is issued. Salinas currently operates two Hi! People locations – one in Derby, open for about two years, and another in Hartford, open for nearly a year.
Resident concerns over parking and safety
Irma Cordero, who lives across the street, raised concerns about limited parking on Mill River Street. She asked for documented protections for residents. Salinas responded that the dispensary will have its own parking lot with 16‑19 spaces on the opposite side of the building, meaning customers will not use the street in front of Cordero’s homes. He estimated three to five customers per hour and three employees per shift, and said he hopes to hire locally so many workers can walk or bike to work.
Cordero also requested official measurements confirming the site meets the required distance from East Rock School, which sits a block away. Salinas noted his special permit was granted two‑and‑a‑half years ago and that the required distance is measured in feet, not blocks, and that the city found the site in compliance. He encouraged residents to contact the city for verification.
Regulation and security measures
Salinas emphasized that a dispensary is a highly regulated business, contrasting it with unregulated smoke shops that “serve minors.” All customers must show ID before entering, and products are packaged in stapled paper bags. Consumption on the property, including sidewalks and streets, is prohibited.
The store’s security system costs about $250,000 and includes double‑redundancy reporting to both the police department and the Department of Consumer Protection. Cameras have already been installed after a prior break‑in when a deteriorating fence was removed. Products will be stored in a vault with a charcoal filter to eliminate odor.
Employment and community contributions
Salinas expects to employ 16‑19 full‑time staff, with part‑time hires potentially raising the total to 35‑40 employees. He said most customers are “north of 40 years old.” The business plans to donate to the Police Athletic League and an anti‑recidivism program as part of its social‑equity plan, stating, “Our goal is to be good citizens of East Rock as we are in Fair Haven.”
City planning context
The City Plan Commission approved the dispensary in 2023, making it the only new cannabis shop slated for East Rock and one of five allowed under the city’s cap. Currently, three recreational dispensaries operate in New Haven: INSA at 222 Sargent Drive, Affinity Health & Wellness at 1351 Whalley Avenue, and Lit New Haven at 169 East Street.
Alder Maria‑Threese D. Serana said she will bring residents’ questions to City Plan officials, and management team chair Jamaal Thomas acknowledged that more questions are likely to arise as the project moves forward.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
