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Date: 2/16/2022
HOLYOKE - Due to an error in alerting abutters, the Planning Board postponed its site plan review of a new proposed cannabis business in the city.
Planning Board Chair John Kelley explained the Zoom address for the virtual hearing that was sent to the abutters was incorrect, while the Zoom address on the Planning Board’s webpage was correct.
Because of this error the board postponed the hearing until March 8 at 5:30 p.m.
Jim Valeriani, the attorney for Sparkboro, asked if it was possible to have a meeting sooner than March 8. Kelly explained the time was needed for the placement of legal ads and letters to the abutters.
“It’s flabbergasting to us,” the attorney said. He noted the paperwork leading to the meeting was filed on Dec. 23, 2021.
Sparkboro wishes to establish a cultivation and manufacturing facility at 120 Middle Water St.
Planner Jack Carolan said the site plan did raise several questions the board will ask the company’s representative at the next meeting. He told the board there is some confusion if a retail store is involved with the facility and questions about the square footage and how the waste from manufacturing will be handled.
The board will send a letter to the City Council, which will consider a special permit, but because the hearing has not yet taken place, the board will not be forwarding a recommendation at this point.