Controversial Chenango Bridge Tobacco Shop to Open Next Week

A tobacco and vape store that had been opposed by some Chenango Bridge residents is expected to start operating soon in a former bank building.

The Smart Smoker shop will use the site that had been home to a Citizens Bank branch until two years ago.

Ramanpreet Kaur has received approval from the town of Chenango planning board to open the business at 603 River Road. The property was recently acquired for use as a smoke shop.

Some people who live nearby had tried to prevent the store from setting up at the location.

Erin Micha, who lives less than a half-mile from the site, has two young children. Micha, who is a Broome County legislator, said she and other parents were concerned about plans to open the business.

The business location is a short distance away from a couple of schools.

The planning board approved the application for the Smart Smoker shop with some contingencies.

One requires the business to be closed between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays when school is in session. Another stipulates that although the store's name may be displayed, there will be no window signage advertising merchandise.

The store's opening is planned for sometime next week.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.