Sturbridge The Board of Selectmen is seeking to ban recreational marijuana through a zoning bylaw amendment prohibiting all types of commercial, non-medical marijuana establishments.
In a 4-0 vote Monday, selectmen approved a petition for a zoning bylaw amendment that would add "Chapter 32 Marijuana Not Medically Prescribed" and forward this proposal to the Planning Board for a public hearing slated for 7:40 p.m. March 28 in the meeting room at the Center Office Building, 301 Main St., to consider amendments to the town’s zoning bylaw.
Town Administrator Leon A. Gaumond Jr. referenced a memo from Town Planner Jean M. Bubon, who did not attend the meeting, saying that she spoke to Jonathan Eichman of KP Law, who recommends the town of Sturbridge have both a ballot question regarding banning recreational marijuana and a zoning bylaw to ban recreational marijuana.
The proposal inserts a new "Chapter 32 Marijuana Not Medically Prescribed" in the zoning bylaw as follows: "Consistent with MGL Ch. 94G, Section 3(a)(2), all types of marijuana establishments as defined in MGL Ch. 94G, Section 1(j), to include all marijuana cultivators, marijuana testing facilities, marijuana product manufacturers, marijuana retailers or any other types of licensed marijuana-related businesses, shall be prohibited with the Town of Sturbridge."
The article would amend the town’s zoning bylaw to prohibit all types of commercial, non-medical marijuana establishments as allowed by the petitioned ballot question approved in November by Massachusetts voters.
The purpose of the temporary moratorium is to allow time to make plans to address the potential impacts of recreational marijuana establishments in town and to enact bylaws in a manner consistent with sound land use planning goals and objectives, Ms. Bubon stated in her memo.
In a 6-0 vote Feb. 14, the Planning Board petitioned for the proposed temporary moratorium on recreational marijuana establishments and forward the proposal to selectmen to begin the public hearing process.
If the ballot question passes, Sturbridge would also have the zoning bylaw on the warrant for the annual town meeting, and if the ballot question fails, the town could ask that no action be taken on the zoning bylaw to ban.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Sturbridge Selectmen Seek To Ban Recreational Marijuana Establishments
Author: Craig S. Semon
Contact: (508) 793-9200
Photo Credit: Andy Nelson
Website: Telegram
