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Date: 6/29/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Mayor William Reichelt has proposed an amendment to the West Springfield zoning ordinance that would allow recreational cannabis sales and cultivation within the town.
During a June 21 Town Council meeting, Reichelt cited shifting public opinion and lost potential tax revenue as the reasons West Springfield should reconsider allowing the sale of recreational cannabis, after it voted against the measure in 2018.
“Marijuana is already in West Springfield. It’s probably been in West Springfield since we became a city back in 1774,” said Reichelt.
In a presentation delivered before the council, Reichelt referenced a poll conducted by his office, which found that 73 percent of West Springfield residents supported retail cannabis establishments within the town limits. Just 21 percent of respondents “strongly opposed” allowing those businesses.
“While support for adult use of cannabis continues to grow both here and nationwide, it still has opponents, though I see the vocal opposition shrinking compared to a growing but silent majority,” said Reichelt.
At a June 1 planning committee meeting, Marc Lichwan, one of the owners of the Westfield dispensary Cannabis Connection, claimed they generated over $800,000 in tax revenue for that city. Reichelt argued that West Springfield risks losing out on this type of revenue if it does not act soon to capitalize on its central location.
“There’s a reason Riverdale Road is the retail capital of Western Massachusetts,” said Reichelt.
Several West Springfield residents at the June 21 meeting told councilors that they had already voted against cannabis retailers in 2018, and the Town Council should respect that vote.
“Taking the vote away from the citizens of West Springfield smacks of hubris,” said resident Ken Curran.
Council President Edward Sullivan encouraged residents to take the necessary steps for a ballot initiative but clarified that the council would still have to vote on the measure. Massachusetts state law compels city councils to vote on any proposed zoning changes within 90 days of their introduction.
An objection raised by Councilor Daniel O’Brien pushed the vote to the next scheduled meeting, July 18. To further delay a vote would require the objection of four councilors at that time.
Sullivan stated that he expected a vote to take place on July 18 but refrained from stating how he planned to vote.
“That’s a game-time decision,” he said.