Robert Celt
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A medical marijuana firm that includes principals from New England and Colorado says it will create jobs and invest up to $1.65 million in a vacant mill space that needs significant repairs while providing a public health benefit to the city of Easthampton.
Hampden Care Facility plans a 27,000-square-foot operation at the Keystone Mill at 122 Pleasant St., with most of the area devoted to cultivating organic, medical marijuana. The outfit plans around 34 jobs in two shifts, and major improvements to the building, possibly generating $25,724 in new property taxes, according to a document filed with the city.
Hampden Care unanimously won support from the Easthampton Planning Board last week. Planning director Jessica Allan said the group's application was "highly professional," and that its representatives worked with officials to address any concerns.
However, it could be about a year before the operation opens its doors.
The firm won't be able to pull a building permit until it receives site approval from the state's Department of Public Health, said Springfield lawyer Stephen M. Reilly Jr., who is head of compliance for the group. Construction could take four or five months, and then new plants will need several months until they are ready to harvest, said Reilly.
"And that will be with state inspections along the way," he said.
Documents filed with the Planning Board contain a wealth of information about security, safety, cultivation and patient protocols.
Security will include a 24-hour presence, cameras monitored by police, and a secure loading dock. Strict protocols are promised for inventory management and product tracking. Vestibules are planned where one door has to be locked before the next will open, with credentials checked along the way.
"Nobody without a medical marijuana identification card will be allowed inside the facility," said Reilly.
Under a set of marketing and branding agreements, Hampden Care won't sell souvenirs or utilize graphics that depict underage or recreational use of marijuana, and will use discrete signage. It pledges to fight drugged driving and provide public health education and substance abuse programs.
"In addition to providing high quality, organic medical marijuana products to patients in the community, HCF expects to invest in the community," Hampden Care states.
As for the possibility of illegal diversion, "HCF will sell medical marijuana at or above the black-market price" in order to minimize that incentive. Patients will be required to show their medical marijuana card, and patients will be limited to one ounce per visit and one visit per day.
"Patients will be held to a strict code," said Reilly. "They will be required to buy the product and leave, with absolutely no use in the car."
The facility itself will be "state of the art," according to the application, which describes "industry best practices to conserve water," fire-suppression, and "advanced air filtration systems" to ensure against odors leaving the premises.
In addition to marijuana, Hampden Care intends to produce a number of marijuana-infused items without psychoactive and sedative effects – so called "CBD-only" products.
The facility is expected to generate 100 daily trips in its first year of operation.
"Hampden Care Facility is dedicated to investing in the communities we serve, and we are committed to being a good neighbor and community steward," the group states.
Hampden Care's CEO is Mark Zatyrka of West Suffield, Connecticut, and its chief financial officer is Peter Komassa. David Benlolo, founder of TRU Cannabis in Colorado, will serve as chief of operations; and Philip Johnston, human services secretary under former Governor Michael Dukakis, will be chief health strategist.
John "Rob" Jany of Colorado has been tapped as chief cultivation officer: "Mr. Jany currently manages over 1,000 flowering lamps across six cultivation facilities ... His cultivation skill and plants have been featured in industry publications."
Governing board members include Thomas Gallagher as president. Dr. Bruce Nassau, a member of the Marijuana Industry Group of Colorado, is identified as chief medical director.
Other directors include Dr. Alexa Gallagher, an epidemiologist; Jennifer Gottschlict, a pharmaceutical representative; and Dr. Shawn Charest, who works in hospice and palliative care at McLeod Regional Medical Center in South Carolina.
William Ketchen, with experience in "managing large businesses and complex supply chains," is also a director; Peter Gallagher of New York is listed in paperwork as an investor.
Hampden Care considered sites in Chicopee and Hadley, but chose Easthampton for its major facility, and may open a dispensary in Springfield, said Reilly.
In October 2015, Easthampton approved a zoning ordinance to regulate medical marijuana facilities, a "proactive move" that helped the permitting process go smoothly, said Mayor Karen Cadieux.
Cadieux, in addressing the City Council last Wednesday, had words of praise for Hampden Care. She said that months ago, she arranged a meeting between the firm and city officials, including police chief Bruce McMahon, fire chief David Mottor, a health agent, and city council president Joseph McCoy. The group conducted a site visit, and Hampden Care hosted a "meet and greet" for abuttors.
"Everything has been handled and addressed, and we're very excited," Cadieux said.
The building at 122 Pleasant St. is owned by James R. Wittmer II under Keystone Enterprises LLC, according to property records.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Easthampton Marijuana Dispensary To Create 34 Jobs And Invest In Keystone Mill BLDG
Author: Mary Serreze
Contact: MassLive
Photo Credit: Mary Serreze
Website: MassLive
Hampden Care Facility plans a 27,000-square-foot operation at the Keystone Mill at 122 Pleasant St., with most of the area devoted to cultivating organic, medical marijuana. The outfit plans around 34 jobs in two shifts, and major improvements to the building, possibly generating $25,724 in new property taxes, according to a document filed with the city.
Hampden Care unanimously won support from the Easthampton Planning Board last week. Planning director Jessica Allan said the group's application was "highly professional," and that its representatives worked with officials to address any concerns.
However, it could be about a year before the operation opens its doors.
The firm won't be able to pull a building permit until it receives site approval from the state's Department of Public Health, said Springfield lawyer Stephen M. Reilly Jr., who is head of compliance for the group. Construction could take four or five months, and then new plants will need several months until they are ready to harvest, said Reilly.
"And that will be with state inspections along the way," he said.
Documents filed with the Planning Board contain a wealth of information about security, safety, cultivation and patient protocols.
Security will include a 24-hour presence, cameras monitored by police, and a secure loading dock. Strict protocols are promised for inventory management and product tracking. Vestibules are planned where one door has to be locked before the next will open, with credentials checked along the way.
"Nobody without a medical marijuana identification card will be allowed inside the facility," said Reilly.
Under a set of marketing and branding agreements, Hampden Care won't sell souvenirs or utilize graphics that depict underage or recreational use of marijuana, and will use discrete signage. It pledges to fight drugged driving and provide public health education and substance abuse programs.
"In addition to providing high quality, organic medical marijuana products to patients in the community, HCF expects to invest in the community," Hampden Care states.
As for the possibility of illegal diversion, "HCF will sell medical marijuana at or above the black-market price" in order to minimize that incentive. Patients will be required to show their medical marijuana card, and patients will be limited to one ounce per visit and one visit per day.
"Patients will be held to a strict code," said Reilly. "They will be required to buy the product and leave, with absolutely no use in the car."
The facility itself will be "state of the art," according to the application, which describes "industry best practices to conserve water," fire-suppression, and "advanced air filtration systems" to ensure against odors leaving the premises.
In addition to marijuana, Hampden Care intends to produce a number of marijuana-infused items without psychoactive and sedative effects – so called "CBD-only" products.
The facility is expected to generate 100 daily trips in its first year of operation.
"Hampden Care Facility is dedicated to investing in the communities we serve, and we are committed to being a good neighbor and community steward," the group states.
Hampden Care's CEO is Mark Zatyrka of West Suffield, Connecticut, and its chief financial officer is Peter Komassa. David Benlolo, founder of TRU Cannabis in Colorado, will serve as chief of operations; and Philip Johnston, human services secretary under former Governor Michael Dukakis, will be chief health strategist.
John "Rob" Jany of Colorado has been tapped as chief cultivation officer: "Mr. Jany currently manages over 1,000 flowering lamps across six cultivation facilities ... His cultivation skill and plants have been featured in industry publications."
Governing board members include Thomas Gallagher as president. Dr. Bruce Nassau, a member of the Marijuana Industry Group of Colorado, is identified as chief medical director.
Other directors include Dr. Alexa Gallagher, an epidemiologist; Jennifer Gottschlict, a pharmaceutical representative; and Dr. Shawn Charest, who works in hospice and palliative care at McLeod Regional Medical Center in South Carolina.
William Ketchen, with experience in "managing large businesses and complex supply chains," is also a director; Peter Gallagher of New York is listed in paperwork as an investor.
Hampden Care considered sites in Chicopee and Hadley, but chose Easthampton for its major facility, and may open a dispensary in Springfield, said Reilly.
In October 2015, Easthampton approved a zoning ordinance to regulate medical marijuana facilities, a "proactive move" that helped the permitting process go smoothly, said Mayor Karen Cadieux.
Cadieux, in addressing the City Council last Wednesday, had words of praise for Hampden Care. She said that months ago, she arranged a meeting between the firm and city officials, including police chief Bruce McMahon, fire chief David Mottor, a health agent, and city council president Joseph McCoy. The group conducted a site visit, and Hampden Care hosted a "meet and greet" for abuttors.
"Everything has been handled and addressed, and we're very excited," Cadieux said.
The building at 122 Pleasant St. is owned by James R. Wittmer II under Keystone Enterprises LLC, according to property records.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Easthampton Marijuana Dispensary To Create 34 Jobs And Invest In Keystone Mill BLDG
Author: Mary Serreze
Contact: MassLive
Photo Credit: Mary Serreze
Website: MassLive
