GRAFTON – Voters took a cautious approach to regulating recreational marijuana Monday, voting at special town meeting to adopt zoning bylaws that would allow marijuana businesses by special permit in office light industrial and industrial zoning districts, but not in other areas.
The barely-more-than-100 voters in attendance also voted 63-51 to limit the number of recreational marijuana retail establishments to 20 percent of the number of retail liquor store licenses in town, which would currently mean a limit of two.
Town Planner Joseph Laydon explained at the start of the meeting that the purpose was “to make Grafton ready for recreational marijuana,” not to hold a referendum on the sale of recreational marijuana in Grafton, ban the sale of recreational marijuana, or change medical marijuana regulations.
He said if the town did not adopt zoning bylaws, a licensed recreational marijuana retailer seeking to open in Grafton would generally be treated the same as any other retail business and the town would lose the ability to regulate hours of operation, location and other aspects not under state control. The state Cannabis Control Commission will start accepting license applications April 1.
Four out of five members of the Planning Board must agree to approve a special permit, Mr. Laydon said, and the board can take into account qualitative factors such as neighborhood character.
Businesses in Article 3 that were added to the table of use regulations, by special permit, for office light industrial and industrial zones included: craft marijuana cultivator cooperative; independent testing laboratory; marijuana cultivator; marijuana product manufacturer; and marijuana retailer. Sale of marijuana products as accessory use was added as an accessory use, by special permit, in that zoning district as well.
The office light industrial and industrial zone is also where medical marijuana facilities are currently allowed. The districts include areas around Route 30 and CenTech Park; Worcester Street near Wyman-Gordon Co. and Quinsigamond Corner; and a few small parcels in South Grafton.
The zoning bylaw amendment for industrial zones under Article 3, which needed a two-thirds majority, was approved 106-10.
Several residents spoke in favor of allowing marijuana in additional zoning districts.
“This is a rare opportunity, just from a commercial standpoint. … We have an opportunity to be a leader in our area,” Jeremy Graves said, in support of allowing marijuana retailers in community business districts by special permit. He cited data from other states showing positive economic, employment and property value impacts.“I believe this town wants to be business-friendly,” said Rick Schultze.
But others urged a go-slow approach. “I think this could always be revisited at a future date,” Brian Bouvier said.
The proposal to extend marijuana retail use to commercial business did not receive the necessary two-thirds majority to pass, with 75 in favor and 45 opposed.
Similarly, proposed amendments to allow marijuana in neighborhood business districts and village mixed-use districts were defeated.
The vote to limit the number of recreational marijuana businesses to 20 percent of the town’s six issued liquor store licenses also drew debate, with the go-slow approach winning out.
Resident Wayne Crandlemere offered an amendment, which was defeated, that would have allowed a limit of 50 percent of the liquor licenses.
Michael Scully, Planning Board chairman, said the town could always vote to allow more later. “We have years and many opportunities to take a bite at this apple,” he said.
credit:telegram.com
