LGBTQ Bar Faces Uncertain Future as Zoning Board Rejects Marijuana Dispensary Proposal
Boston’s LGBTQ community faces the potential loss of one of its few remaining safe spaces as a controversial proposal for a marijuana dispensary in the city’s South End was rejected by the Zoning Board of Appeal. The proposed dispensary, which would have replaced Cathedral Station on Washington Street, was initially voted in favor by a narrow margin of 4-3. However, zoning rules require a minimum of five votes for approval, resulting in the rejection of the plan.
Although the rejection of the marijuana dispensary does not guarantee the preservation of Cathedral Station, concerns have been raised regarding the circumstances surrounding the LGBTQ bar’s future. Attorney Michael Ross, representing the dispensary operator Nike John, stated that the bar’s owner had chosen to retire and that John’s proposal was not responsible for pushing Cathedral Station out. However, employee Jeremy Cattani disputed these claims during a chat for the Zoom hearing, alleging that they were a misrepresentation and a rumor fabricated by John and Ross.
The hearing generated opposition from various quarters, including elected officials and local residents. State Representative John Moran, who is gay, expressed concern over the potential loss of another LGBTQ-focused establishment in the city, particularly in a time when such spaces are increasingly under threat across the country. Moran also criticized the dispensary operator’s alleged intention to sell the business for a substantial profit after obtaining approval. He argued that this contradicts the intent of the equity program, which grants preferential treatment for marijuana licenses to individuals from marginalized communities, such as John, who is Black.
City Councilors Ed Flynn and Michael Flaherty, along with numerous residents, also opposed the proposal. Critics cited the dispensary’s proximity to schools, daycares, and Peters Park, an area frequented by children and individuals struggling with addiction, as major concerns. They argued that the location poses significant risks to vulnerable populations and expressed worry about the potential impact on community safety.
While the rejection of the proposal offers a temporary reprieve, the dispensary operator can re-apply for a conditional-use permit within a year or pursue legal action in Suffolk Superior Court to challenge the board’s decision. The outcome of these options remains uncertain.
In a neighborhood where LGBTQ venues have been closing over the years, the potential loss of Cathedral Station is seen as a devastating blow to the community. Advocates for the marijuana dispensary argue that the location on Washington Street, with its heavy traffic and existing nearby dispensaries, would not significantly worsen the situation. They emphasize the need for cleaner and safer spaces and believe John’s track record as a serious business operator would have a positive impact on the neighborhood.
The rejection of the marijuana dispensary proposal highlights the ongoing debates and challenges surrounding the delicate balance between preserving LGBTQ-focused spaces and accommodating the growing demand for marijuana dispensaries. As the South End community grapples with this issue, the future of Cathedral Station hangs in the balance, awaiting a final resolution that will determine its fate.
