Binghamton May Move to Control Proliferation of Smoke Shops

Binghamton lawmakers are considering action to deal with the rapid spread of smoke shops and convenience stores throughout the city.

Some city residents and business operators have complained about the proliferation of small neighborhood smoke and vape shops, along with gasoline stations.

City council may vote Wednesday evening on a measure to slap restrictions on plans to open such businesses in the future.

A WNBF listener who lives on Binghamton's South Side recently noted there were five "smoke shops" now open near Vestal Avenue and South Washington Street. He said he was unaware of any other spot in Broome County that had such a concentration of smoke shops.

Fifth District city councilwoman Hadassah Mativetsky said proposed public health legislation addressing smoke shops and similar businesses was held over at a meeting last month.

Mativetsky indicated she's not pleased that so many shops are popping up so close to each other.

Bing's Smoke Spot is the newest shop to open in the neighborhood. It's located near a doughnut shop, a beauty shop and other popular businesses. The store advertises "vapes, kratom, tobacco (and) glass."

An employee at the new business said things have been slow so far but he expressed optimism about future. He said he didn't know how many more smoke shops the neighborhood could support.

Some people who work and patronize nearby businesses said they believe there already are too many smoke shops in Binghamton. They suggested it has become a "quality of life" issue in sections of the city.

The village of Johnson City last spring enacted a one-year moratorium on the opening of more vape and smoke shops in response to resident complaints.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.