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Date: 12/5/2023
PALMER — In a brief procedural vote, the Zoning Board of Appeals withdrew James McMahon’s appeal without prejudice, allowing ADMass4 LLC to proceed with a proposed cannabis retail store.
The board met in an abbreviated session Nov. 30 at Town Hall.
Since the Town Council recently raised the number of marijuana retailers from three to four, McMahon’s appeal became moot. Just off the Massachusetts Turnpike exit, Silver Therapeutics remains Palmer’s sole cannabis retailer.
In August, the Planning Board recommended increasing the allowable cannabis shops to the current four. McMahon, an attorney, provided the draft amended ordinance as a guide for town officials.
McMahon cited concerns that ADMass4 and other retailers were “racing to the finish” to get a host agreement and final pot shop permit. An administrative appeal was filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals, an unnecessary step.
ADMass 4’s appeal challenged the building inspector’s Sept. 7 decision to deny a building permit for 1140 Thorndike St, based on a regulation limiting the town’s marijuana retailers to three.
In October 2022, McMahon pitched a facility for 1140 Thorndike St., under the Green Gold Group umbrella, which operates in Charlton and North Brookfield. The proposed Palmer site would solely be a retailer and could create 20-25 jobs.
The company has a community agreement with Palmer, including a three percent gross revenue impact fee and local sales tax.
Town Planner Heidi Mannarino noted that Palmer has three permitted marijuana retail establishments, with one currently operational. The town continues to accept applications despite the limit ordinance.
Drawing from experiences in Holyoke, Mannarino noted the challenges new industries face in small communities. She anticipates that both the town’s zoning practices and the companies will adapt and learn, suggesting possible future changes in the industry.
The Source dispensary in Northampton closed in December 2022, the first cannabis business to shutter in Massachusetts. The massive 125,000 Trulieve growing and cultivation operation in Holyoke closed in 2022.
Norman Czech, vice chair of the Planning Board and a Zoning Board of Appeals member, discussed Palmer’s retail cannabis industry. The town council recently approved a fourth marijuana dispensary, increasing the number from three. Czech supported this decision.
Czech believes that four dispensaries might be the current limit for Palmer. This view is based on these dispensaries’ existing needs and operational status. Currently, only one of the four permitted dispensaries is in operation.
Regarding McMahon’s plans, Czech noted that it was progressing. McMahon has secured a building and needs to complete renovations.
Czech observed that the market for cannabis dispensaries in the region appears saturated. He expressed uncertainty about the opening of the other permitted dispensaries.