Update: 10/07/2024: An earlier version of this story stated that Altitude Cannabis Club planned to open in the space. A different, unaffiliated business named Altitude is the applicant. We regret the error.
A historic building in Greenpoint might be getting a new life—as a cannabis storefront.
According to a notice on the building, Altitude NY LLC plans to open in the historic Greenpoint Savings Bank (807 Manhattan Ave.), a Neo-Classical style structure that first opened in 1906. It has been a landmarked building since 1982.
There is a similarly named store in Bushwick, Altitude Cannabis Club, that locals initially feared had plans to open a lounge in the space. However, the Altitude NY listed on the community board application has zero affiliation with the unlicensed storefront, a source tells Greenpointers. The state’s Cannabis Control Board issued Altitude NY a license for a Manhattan storefront in July, which they hope to transfer to the Greenpoint store.
There will be an opportunity for public comment at the next Brooklyn Community Board 1 meeting on October 8. The board’s Cannabis Review Committee will review their application. While their role is advisory, their recommendation carries weight for the state’s Cannabis Control Board, who has the final say on licensing.
Some Greenpoint residents already have concerns about a cannabis storefront opening in a beloved building, specifically its proximity to nearby schools and the amount of weed shops already present.
Most recently, the building served as a Capital One location but has sat vacant since 2020, spending the next few years as a consistent graffiti target. The building finally received a thorough clean-up earlier this summer (after much admonishment from neighbors and elected officials, who have accused the building’s current owner of letting it fall into disrepair).
Lol so they operate an unlicensed business in an era where these illegal weed shops are getting shut down yet they have the audacity to seek CB1 approval??! In a historic building no less??! The city has finally hit its nadir.
Just nope. This was once a well respected bank the inside was ornate and glamorous at the same time. It has become a degenerate’s paradise as of late. My dad worked at this bank back in the day and he was proud of that. I know some will say you live in the past however in some instances I say bring the past back. Cipriani a NYC restaurant was once a glorious bank and now it is host to people for all reasons. Now why can’t Greenpoint find a tenant that would bring back that decadent era? Greenpoint is home to so many fine restaurants. Greenpoint does not need another weed shop. This is so disturbing. I know you cannot fight city hall as the saying goes but you dam skippy I am gonna try. Weed shop my right eye.
There’s a saying “Old is Gold”
I might be living in the past as well (I miss my Italy Pizza!), but I don’t want another weed shop in this neighborhood especially one in such a historic place. I always felt that space would be great as a grand restaurant. Money is king to the landlords, not the community.
I am with you Noel. It could be such a beautiful space for restaurant, weddings, etc
“…the amount of weed shops already present.” and “Greenpoint does not need another weed shop.” There are no weed shops (legal or illegal) in Greenpoint now; all the shops were shuttered. Stop being so selfish with your archaic “Reefer Madness” view of cannabis, MYOB and let people have access to a legal substance. I’m sure you’d be up in arms if anyone tried to prevent your access to beer or booze.
Waaaaaaa I guess Juan doesn’t have school aged children.
What does that have to do with anything? Cannabis = alcohol in New York State. Do you want to shutter all liquor stores and sites that sell beer, too?
Kids don’t sniff beer and have to inhale it. People smoke weed all over the place. They have no respect for children, elderly or nobody. You’re not allowed to walk around drinking alcohol but people all of a sudden walk around disrespecting people smoking marijuana that smells like skunk blowing it in and in the air and as little infants and babies going by there by the YMCA, all the time smoking right across the street from the school so get the hell out of here you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about that was the worst thing they ever did was legalize that shit.
Nice rant, even though off-topic, i.e., opening a legal establishment on Manhattan Ave. in Greenpoint.
For better or worse (better for those who consume it, worse for those with a mindset against it), cannabis is legal now in New York State and has been since March 31, 2021.
In closing, kids, children, elderly, little infants and babies asked me to tell you to MYOB — they enjoy the aroma.
As the creator of The Lady in Greenpoint, a 3-mile walking audio story starting at the Pulaski Bridge that includes a climactic scene outside of this historic bank, I would like to extend my greetings to the new enterprise and perhaps discuss a collab…
Is this a fucking joke? I’m guessing there are no business loans needing to be approved here. Would be a joke of a business plan, too. Curious if there’s a reason why these keep getting approved to open…what could it possibly be….
Please don’t. This would be a beautiful spot for a restaurant or some gallery but not another smoke shop.
Depressing. And besides, now that smoking is legal isn’t it a bit dull? Wasn’t the legalization supposed to introduce regulation such that agricultural rape of land would be reigned in… and one wonders if that is even happening.
It’s not reefer madness. These businesses are targets for armed robbery. This has been the case in all states where cannabis has been legalized; because of the federal regulations, the businesses are store-houses for cash and easily moved product. The armed moped robberies in Greenpoint and Williamsburg will be nothing compared to the crime this place will attract. There are families in the adjoining building whose health and safety would be at immensely increased risk because of this business.
It was a bank for decades. Banks by definition are also store-houses for cash. They were also known to attract criminals.
What I’m sensing from the anti-pot crowd is an attitude based on the archaic, over-the-top puritanical propaganda of films such as Reefer Madness. Their deep-rooted prejudice is making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to accept that marijuana use for adults has been legal in New York State since March 31, 2021. If you choose not to use cannabis, this is a free country. However, don’t try to force your belief/opinion about this matter on those who use it and make it difficult for them to obtain a legal substance. You sound like the Women’s Temperance movement of the late 1800’s.
I have nothing against pot. But I don’t think we need a store on every block and I don’t like being unable to walk through the parks to get some fresh air and instead be bombarded by a cloud of pot smoke (not a fan of cigarette smoke either). It more of a healthy quality of life issue.
Bombarding anyone with a cloud of pot smoke is not dependent on having a convenient legal dispensary in the neighborhood, instead of making customers shlep to the North Side. Impolite people will be impolite regardless.
Juan, it’s not an anti pot crowd. It’s a crowd that wants to see a historic building put to good use. Something that would be a positive contribution to the neighborhood. It’s not a good location for a weed spot. But you wouldn’t understand cause you’re just a die hard pot head. Any location is a good location for a weed shop. Juan just go back to your bong
Banks are actually the best kinds of locations for dispensaries architecturally speaking. They are designed to deter criminals.
The layout is perfect for how NYS requires cannabis dispensaries to operate, so the vault has a new purpose.
There are no legal shops operating greenpoint.
That block could use cleaning up and dispensary will do just that.
They’ll provide additional security to that block, which is already overflowing with homeless, drunks, drugs, and the crowd of bottle recyclers that linger around at all hours.
A legal dispensary doesn’t want an unsavory crowd. If they are interested in that location, they are probably going make it beautiful and safe. A luxury shopping experience.
This isn’t about bodega weed shop.