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Date: 8/3/2018
CHICOPEE – Chicopee is now on its way to seeking recreational adult marijuana businesses in the city.
The city released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on July 26 that could ultimately award two such businesses in the city.
Interested business people must apply to the Purchasing Department to receive a copy of the RFP and accompanying documents.
The RFP requires detail on the people applying for the business, as well as submitting everything from the design for the shop to a security plan. Both of the potential businesses being considered will also have to develop a Host Community Agreement with the city.
In a written statement, Mayor Richard Kos said, “I thank our City Council and Planning Department for their efforts in accomplishing a systematic approach to these opportunities for our City and our residents.”
Those requirements include:
• Under Concept and Project Design, the site of the store as well as its design and size as well as the “Compatibility of the proposed location with adjacent neighborhood(s) or business(es).”
The RFP also requires “Components of the proposed operation, including square footage estimates planned to be used for cultivation, retail and other project components; Description of any state and/or local permits that will be required to advance the proposed project; Comprehensive analysis of the proposed site and site layout against the City of Chicopee’s zoning ordinance regarding # 275-73 Adult Use Marijuana; description of any waivers that may be requested through the Special Permit Granting Authority if selected through this RFP process.”
• The city also wants to know “estimated fiscal impacts of the proposed project on the City of Chicopee, including an analysis of the types, duration and costs/benefits of each impact.” City officials want to know how such a business would affect city services such as fire and police as well as the quality of life. They also want to know the “willingness to offer support to the City to assist in mitigating any adverse impacts associated with the proposed project.”
• The security plan for the business is also required. City officials require the applying businesses to explain how it would be “preventing the distribution of marijuana to minors other than as allowed by state law and regulations; preventing marijuana cultivation, possession and/or use on city property; preventing drugged driving and other adverse public health consequences associated with marijuana use; preventing violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana; preventing state-authorized marijuana activity from being utilized as a cover or pretext for the trafficking of illegal drugs or other illegal activity; preventing the diversion of marijuana from states where it is legal under state law in some form to other states; and preventing revenue from the sale of marijuana from supporting criminal enterprises, gangs and cartels.”
• The RFP requires a “detailed explanation of anticipated costs (i.e. design/engineering, construction, etc.) and sources of financing for the proposed project,” as well as “estimates of revenues, expenses and income from the operation of the proposed project.”
• Among questions about business concerns, the city would like to see how many jobs would be created, as well as the marketing strategy for the business. The city would also like to know “the proposing Enterprise’s plan for utilizing any delivery service, if anticipated, and the security measures around such a service.”
All RFPs are due to the Purchasing Department on Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. To request a bid package got to https://ma-chicopee.civicplus.com/FormCenter/Purchasing-Department-11/Bid-1835-Adult-Use-Marijuana-Establishme-192.