Rumors of Witchcraft District Ban in Poughkeepsie? Mayor Responds

Rumors have been swirling in Poughkeepsie about a possible effort to ban the name "Witchcraft District" and even force a popular local business to relocate. Now, Mayor Yvonne Flowers is weighing in, and it sounds like the city isn't planning to get involved.

Poughkeepsie to Ban Witchcraft District?

The controversy started after Witchcraft District Bazaar posted a message on Facebook revealing that a petition is reportedly circulating calling for the name "Witchcraft District" to be banned in Poughkeepsie. The petition also allegedly calls for the business to relocate because of its religious and philosophical beliefs.

Witchcraft District Poughkeepsie, NY

Honestly, I had no idea Poughkeepsie had a Witchcraft District! But after seeing the post, I reached out to Mayor Yvonne Flowers to find out what the city knew about the situation and whether any official action was being considered.

Poughkeepsie Mayor Responds

According to Flowers, she had only learned about the complaint and petition on Tuesday. She confirmed that the city has not received any formal complaints about the business name or requests to ban its use. The mayor also made it clear that the city cannot force a business to relocate simply because someone disagrees with its name or beliefs.

"We don't have the authority to make a business relocate, as long as they are not violating any laws pertaining to operating a business in our city," Flowers told me.

She also confirmed that neither the city nor the Common Council has taken an official position on the matter. To her knowledge, the business isn't breaking any laws.

Interestingly, the mayor said she had met the owners, whom she believes are the Andersons, at a community event a few years ago. She remembered them helping out and said they expressed how much they enjoyed being part of the Poughkeepsie community.

"Not sure why the business is coming up now as a problem," Flowers wrote, adding that the city treats and supports Witchcraft District Bazaar like any other business.

Witchcraft Bazaar Poughkeepsie, NY

Witchcraft District Bazaar Responds

In its original Facebook statement, Priestess Renée explained that she has spent the past five years building a shop that welcomes witches, Pagans, spiritual seekers, artists, collectors, and anyone curious about what the business offers.

She also pushed back against concerns that the Witchcraft District name takes away from Poughkeepsie's Little Italy history, pointing out that she is Italian herself and takes pride in her heritage.

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Renée believes there's room in Poughkeepsie to celebrate its history while welcoming different cultures, traditions, and beliefs. The business also expressed concern about being targeted because of its religious and philosophical beliefs, pointing to First Amendment protections.

As part of its response, Witchcraft District Bazaar is offering FREE Witchcraft District pride stickers for anyone who wants to show their support.

Where Things Stand

While a petition may be circulating, the mayor says the city hasn't received any formal complaints or requests to ban the name. There are also no official plans to take action against the business.

For now, it doesn't sound like Witchcraft District Bazaar has anything to worry about from the city, and the business can continue operating as usual.