Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Southborough - Planning Board members and other town officials on Monday night criticized a plan by a nonprofit corporation to eliminate a secure garage to be used to deliver products and money to a proposed medical marijuana dispensary on Rte. 9.
The garage was previously discussed as part of approvals with selectmen and the Zoning Board of Appeals, they said.
Dan Merrikin of Merrikin Engineering said during the Planning Board's site plan review that the area was removed because of space. "We have certain constraints," he said.
Police Chief Ken Paulhus said he'd like to look into how other dispensaries across the state handle deliveries.
"It is something I'd like to see," he said of the secure garage.
The Commonwealth Cannabis Co., known as CommCan Inc., plans to convert 2,100 square feet of commercial space at 255 Turnpike Road into the shop. The plans require major site plan approval from the Planning Board.
The dispensary will be located on the westbound side of the highway next to the Volvo dealership. The plans call for a first-floor conversion of an existing building that is used by a home remodeling business, which will continue to use the second floor.
Selectmen in February voted to sign a "letter of non-opposition," which is required in order for CommCan to receive a certificate of registration from the state Department of Public Health. In March, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-1 to approve a special permit for the dispensary.
As of June 17, CommCan has been issued its provisional certificate of registration from the state for its Southborough location.
The Planning Board public hearing was continued until Sept. 19 after nearly two hours of debate.
Merrikin said the products and money will be coming in the front door.
"The front door is a secure door," he said. "The building is fully secured."
Planning Board member Andrew Mills said it would be obvious when marijuana deliveries are being made, especially if using the front door.
"I am concerned about security," he said. "I think that is a major change from what other boards and committees were told."
Marc Rosenfeld, CEO of CommCan, said it was his intent to use the garage but it was never made as a condition of the ZBA special permit.
Selectmen Paul Cimino and Brian Shea both said they are worried that the plan did not have a secure delivery garage. Cimino questioned the delivery of product and exchange of cash.
"I'd like to hear more about how it will be done in the alternative," he said.
Merrikin said changes to the outdoor plan now includes a circular driveway, cutting down vegetation, improved lighting and a chain-link fence after talking with Paulhus.
Merrikin said much of the existing landscaping with will be removed.
"It will still be left in a natural condition but the chief has asked the trees and taller vegetation be removed," he said.
Paulhus said the meetings with CommCan have gone well.
"It seems like was are moving in the right direction," he said.
The approvals have been met with opposition from many residents and prompted a Town Meeting citizen petition to amend the town bylaws to push medical marijuana dispensaries 1,000 feet away from schools. The measure passed, but town officials say the amendment will not block CommCan from opening. Before the change, the town required dispensaries to be 500 feet away from schools.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Southborough - Security Questioned At Medical Pot Dispensary
Author: Jonathan Phelps
Contact: 508-626-4412
Photo Credit: Jonathan Phelps
Website: The Metro West Daily News
The garage was previously discussed as part of approvals with selectmen and the Zoning Board of Appeals, they said.
Dan Merrikin of Merrikin Engineering said during the Planning Board's site plan review that the area was removed because of space. "We have certain constraints," he said.
Police Chief Ken Paulhus said he'd like to look into how other dispensaries across the state handle deliveries.
"It is something I'd like to see," he said of the secure garage.
The Commonwealth Cannabis Co., known as CommCan Inc., plans to convert 2,100 square feet of commercial space at 255 Turnpike Road into the shop. The plans require major site plan approval from the Planning Board.
The dispensary will be located on the westbound side of the highway next to the Volvo dealership. The plans call for a first-floor conversion of an existing building that is used by a home remodeling business, which will continue to use the second floor.
Selectmen in February voted to sign a "letter of non-opposition," which is required in order for CommCan to receive a certificate of registration from the state Department of Public Health. In March, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-1 to approve a special permit for the dispensary.
As of June 17, CommCan has been issued its provisional certificate of registration from the state for its Southborough location.
The Planning Board public hearing was continued until Sept. 19 after nearly two hours of debate.
Merrikin said the products and money will be coming in the front door.
"The front door is a secure door," he said. "The building is fully secured."
Planning Board member Andrew Mills said it would be obvious when marijuana deliveries are being made, especially if using the front door.
"I am concerned about security," he said. "I think that is a major change from what other boards and committees were told."
Marc Rosenfeld, CEO of CommCan, said it was his intent to use the garage but it was never made as a condition of the ZBA special permit.
Selectmen Paul Cimino and Brian Shea both said they are worried that the plan did not have a secure delivery garage. Cimino questioned the delivery of product and exchange of cash.
"I'd like to hear more about how it will be done in the alternative," he said.
Merrikin said changes to the outdoor plan now includes a circular driveway, cutting down vegetation, improved lighting and a chain-link fence after talking with Paulhus.
Merrikin said much of the existing landscaping with will be removed.
"It will still be left in a natural condition but the chief has asked the trees and taller vegetation be removed," he said.
Paulhus said the meetings with CommCan have gone well.
"It seems like was are moving in the right direction," he said.
The approvals have been met with opposition from many residents and prompted a Town Meeting citizen petition to amend the town bylaws to push medical marijuana dispensaries 1,000 feet away from schools. The measure passed, but town officials say the amendment will not block CommCan from opening. Before the change, the town required dispensaries to be 500 feet away from schools.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Southborough - Security Questioned At Medical Pot Dispensary
Author: Jonathan Phelps
Contact: 508-626-4412
Photo Credit: Jonathan Phelps
Website: The Metro West Daily News
