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Date: 3/8/2023
PALMER — As one structure on Shearer Street comes down, another one will be erected, but this time, it is a 2,800-square-foot cannabis retail establishment known as Kali Cannabis.
On March 1, Kali Cannabis co-founders Suzanne Melanson and Evans Klimavich were joined by family, service providers, town officials and others for a groundbreaking event.
As everyone gathered around, Klimavich explained that he and Melanson met through a mutual friend after being asked to provide input on an opportunity in Palmer.
“A larger MSO (Management Services Organization) was considering coming into town and we were provided feedback,” Klimavich said. “They walked away from the opportunity and after thorough analysis, [we] decided to tease out the project further and see if it could be developed.”
He shared that the site at 405 Shearer St. has been “challenging” given its slope but is the “best location” site available after considering many factors.
Kali Cannabis is a female owned establishment as well as locally owned and operated, with both Melanson and Klimavich residing in Massachusetts.
Melanson has eight years of experience in the cannabis industry, developing projects from the application process to licensing and more. She shared that she became involved after her daughter needed a major back surgery and did not want her on opioids. “I made the transition from teaching over to cannabis,” she added.
Klimavich has business experience in real estate and other business practices, providing insight and resources that Kali needs.
He recognized their third asset partner, Greg Ambrose, who helped Kali gain control of the site. “After attempting to get a mortgage, it was determined the best path to own it outright. Greg has supported this dream of Suzanne’s and decided to invest in the property asset,” said Klimavich. He went on to recognize the service providers. “When we were vetting out service providers, we focused on companies with cannabis experience and understanding of compliance in a regulated space,” shared Klimavich.
Kali chose American Alarm to handle security, specifically working with David Oles and Andrew Klein. They also hired Mike Bodgan from Avail Management — Melanson’s cousin — who has years of construction experience. Klimavich said Bodgan has been the “[quarterback]” on the construction end.
Bohler Engineering was selected with Drew Garvin as the lead engineer, as well as BKA Architects with Keith Bettencourt serving as the lead architect. Klimavich acknowledged their proven track record of designing many cannabis sites.
“Once Kali was able to obtain the special use permit and then the Host Community Agreement, the Mensing Group assisted Kali in the CCC (Cannabis Control Commission) application preparation and with Suzanne’s many experiences with launching projects, this helped move the process along,” Klimavich shared. “Kali continued to tease out a few [Request for Information] RFI’s and return information with a quick turnaround.”
Now, Kali Cannabis is awaiting its provisional license, which is expected to be received soon.
Block Builders was recently brought on as the general contractors of the project. Klimavich recognized Dan Connolly, Cory Bailey, Yerko Vega and the Block Builders team for their work.
Main Street Bank was another recent addition to assist in Kali Cannabis’ banking needs. “Brandon Curran and Michael DeMarco have been welcoming to Kali and a shout out to their local branches for extending a warm welcome to Kali. It’s so great to see cannabanking evolving,” said Klimavich.
He continued, “After months of due diligence, determination and hard work, Kali has become a reality. Our families have been our biggest cheerleaders and are the owners’ collective answer to ‘why’ [we] truly want to inspire [our] own kids by [our] example to go for their dreams.
“Kali will strive to be good neighbors and good pillars in the Palmer community,” he added. “Kali is excited to join forces with quality producers to bring a quality experience to everyone who visits Kali Cannabis.”
He went on to thank the Palmer Planning Board for approving the site plan, along with the town engineer for approving Kali’s site. Klimavich said Police Chief Christopher Burns spent time with the Kali team to review the security plan that American Alarm will provide.
Town Manager Ryan McNutt and Bonnie Weeks, who runs the Building Department with her assistant, Emily Malcovsky, also assisted in the permitting process.
Additional people who have helped along the way include Staci Smith from Resinate, Erin Colton from Cannabakeri, Angela Bradway from Canna Management, Kim and Fred Gibson from Gibby’s Garden; Nick Rosati from High Plain Farms; David Griffin from Tower Three and Patrick Mahar from LC Square.
Melanson echoed Klimavich’s remarks and thanked everyone for attending the groundbreaking event.
Immediately following, attendees watched closely as the garage to the existing single-family residence was demolished. Clapping and cheering echoed across the muddy grounds as Melanson and Klimavich captured the moment with pictures and videos – soaking in the moment they have long waited for.
On March 2, the day after the event, Melanson said the home would be knocked down.
She told Reminder Publishing that they are hoping to open Kali Cannabis by July. However, with inspections among other requirements, she predicts that it might be pushed until August or September.
The existing location is zoned for cannabis use.