During their caucus, the Jersey City Council reviewed the renewal application of Downtown Flwr dispensary which has been linked to the infamous pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein and labor complaints.
Heady NJ found that Downtown Flwr co-owner Benny Shabtai was friends with the late infamous pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, according to emails in the Epstein Files.
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Jersey City Commerce Director Maynard Woodson noted the Jersey City Cannabis Control Board (CCB) approved their renewal in June.
“Is this the one where we had concerns about the ties of the owner? Did we ever get answers to that question?” Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa asked.
Downtown Flwr Dispensary, Jeffrey Epstein and Labor Issues
“A number of workers spoke and reached out to our Council offices about, um, some pretty egregious labor concerns at Downtown Flwr,” Ward D Councilman Jake Ephros noted.
“One of the owners is present tonight along with Counsel,” Woodson said.
“What happens in case … if the dispensary loses their license?…” At-Large Councilwoman Mamta Singh asked.
“If we don’t give a resolution of local support, the State would not renew their license,” Acting Corporation Counsel Lisa Scorsolini said.
“Do you think we can ask the community to come and talk in favor or against?” Singh asked. “One worker came out and shared certain things…”
“We’ve never received any formal complaints from any employees,” Woodson stated.
“The public does have an opportunity to speak at the Council meeting,” City Council President Denise Ridley noted.
Voicing and Processing Jersey City Dispensary Concerns
“We should give an opportunity to the public to speak against or for the dispensary so that we know what’s going on,” Singh argued.
“My office and Councilman Ephros’ office have received community complaints,” Ward E Councilwoman Elena Little explained. “Sometimes people don’t know whether to reach out to the department or the agency or their councilmembers… I would be happy to forward the emails…”
“Forward those to the Council. The public does have a public forum if they would like to speak for or against this resolution,” Ridley said.
“This is not the same establishment that was pulled from the last agenda,” Scorsolini noted.
“This was pulled at an earlier meeting,” Woodson noted.
“Outside of complaints… is the applicant in compliance with all other items?” At-Large Councilman Rolando Lavarro asked.
“Yes. All their taxes have been paid…,” Woodson said.
Lavarro asked about payroll taxes, and Woodson said he could look into it.
“I hear the concerns of the Councilpeople,” Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore said.
He asked if they had a process to handle complaints against a dispensary.
Woodson said the CCB was not aware of labor complaints before approving their renewal.
“If we do get a constituent complaint, would you like us to forward it?” Little asked.
“Absolutely,” Woodson replied.
