(Route 9) in Chestnut Hill, and the proposal is being reviewed by the city. MedMen is currently seeking to open at the former home of Shreve, Crump & Low at 232 Boylston St. “In my view, this new proposal presents the same traffic problems as the last one,” Theunissen said in an e-mail. “Because they understand that we are trying to meet the requirements, we’re trying to run a business, and be good neighbors.”Īmanda Theunissen, a member of the council, criticized the new proposal, and said the store would generate the same amount of traffic as the earlier plan. “I appreciate the people who, I’ve felt, have come and really honestly wanted to work with us,” St. The company hopes to formally apply for a special permit from the city by early March, she said. Fleur, who is also former state representative, said the company listened to feedback from residents and will propose a plan that replaces the existing building and includes less parking to help address potential traffic issues. Fleur, the company’s chief operating officer. Union Twist, which withdrew its previous application for a special permit in the fall following traffic concerns, presented revised options to the Newton Highlands Neighborhood Area Council on Feb. in Auburndale and Union Twist at 1158 Beacon St. in Newton Centre Verilife at 131 Rumford Ave. in Newton Upper Falls The Green Lady Dispensary II at 740 Beacon St. The other is Ascend Mass at the corner of Washington and Cross streets in West Newton.įive other retail applicants have agreements with the city, and need local and state approvals. One is Cypress Tree Management at 24-26 Eliot St. A majority of city voters turned down the restrictions.Īside from Garden Remedies’ store in Newtonville, two other companies have reached agreements and secured special permits with Newton, and now seek licensing approval from the state Cannabis Control Commission before starting operations. Two years later, Newton voters were asked to decide on a pair of non-binding local measures: one to ban marijuana shops outright, and another to restrict how many could open in the city. In 2016, a majority of Newton voters approved a state ballot question that, among other things, allowed a legal marketplace for retail marijuana in Massachusetts. ![]() Legalization of retail marijuana in Newton has taken a circuitous route in recent years. The proposed zoning changes will be the subject of a March 8 public hearing. Meanwhile, city councilors are considering rules allowing marijuana courier and delivery businesses - separate from retail shops - to open in Newton. Herold said Garden Remedies has been working with the city’s Planning and Development Department, and will formally ask that the appointment-only restriction be lifted this year. Marijuana stores are not required to operate by appointment only under the city’s ordinance, but the City Council has included the restriction in the three special permits for retailers it has approved so far. Ross said the company agreed to make the size of the word “cannabis” smaller.When Garden Remedies opened, the city took steps to address concerns that the store manage the flow of customers and cars, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said in a statement at the time. “That went against all the promises that were made,” said Councilor-at-Large Alison Leary about the size of a sign.Ĭouncilor Emily Norton and Councilor-at-Large Marc Laredo also said they wished the sign had been more discreet. The committee also unanimously agreed to amend the site/landscaping plan, but declined to remove the sign plan from the special permit by a vote of four nays and two abstentions. Several councilors criticized the font size of the word “cannabis” on one of the signs. Land Use Chairman Rick Lipof reminded his colleagues that even if they voted to eliminate the appointment-only requirement, it can still be imposed by the police chief or other officials in the future if it’s deemed necessary. He said if there is a line outside of the Washington Street store, it’s likely because the customers who did not know about the appointment-only requirement had to stand outside and make an appointment on their phones. ![]() More: Newton marijuana dispensary produces hand sanitizer for health workersīefore the vote, neighbor and Garden Remedies employee Alex Churchill spoke in favor of eliminating the requirement. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.Īlthough it passed, the vote to remove the appointment-only requirement was much closer, with three yeas, two nays and one abstention. If approved by the entire City Council, Garden Remedies would be open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. The six committee members who attended the Zoom meeting (two were absent) unanimously voted to allow the shop to increase its hours of operation.
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