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Date: 10/18/2023
SOUTHWICK — Planning Board members are slated to again debate what land-use zones would be appropriate for marijuana retailers at their Oct. 24 meeting.
At their Oct. 10 meeting, members discussed eliminating the town’s marijuana zoning overlay map altogether, and instead using a special permit process to restrict cannabis businesses from objectionable areas in town.
The Planning Board’s process to amend the zoning bylaws began more than a month ago, following a Town Meeting vote earlier this year to remove the town’s prohibition of the sale of such products. While the general bylaws have been changed, the town’s zoning bylaws still contain language barring non-medical cannabis retailers in all land-use zones.
Other types of cannabis farms and businesses are currently allowed only in a special district that overlaps industrial and business zones in a few specific neighborhoods. Planning Board member Jessica Ann Thornton on Oct. 10 advocated allowing such businesses on any parcel zoned Business, Business Restricted, Industrial or Industrial Restricted, subject to a special permit process under which the Planning Board could reject any proposals on specific sites where a cannabis retailer wouldn’t fit the neighborhood.
Board member David Spina initially supported keeping the overlay map but amending it to reflect areas where cannabis retailers would be appropriate. He later said Thornton’s proposal would be “reasonable,” after she proposed writing special permit parameters that clearly dictate no permit would be issued for properties that abut residential land or are within 2,000 feet of a residence. She said she would have final language ready to present on Oct. 24.
There was no firm decision by the board on the number of dispensaries it might suggest allowing in town.
The board expects to have finalized the articles needed for an upcoming special Town Meeting by Nov. 7. The Town Meeting has been tentatively scheduled for Dec. 5.