Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Fitchburg - As one marijuana-cultivation facility puts a halt to plans to move into the city, another prepares to start the application process.
Happy Valley Ventures MA, Inc. submitted a request to withdraw its application to open a recreational marijuana facility on 25 Newport St. last Friday, according to Fitchburg Principal Planner Mike O'Hara.
Four days later at Tuesday night's Planning Board meeting, Mike Ross, an attorney representing NSAJO Holdings Inc., said his client is interested in applying for a special permit to open up a 50,000-square-foot cultivation facility on 20 Authority Drive.
NSAJO Holdings -- a Colorado-based company started by Newton-native Aiden O'Donovan -- hopes to open a growing facility in Fitchburg, which would supply dispensaries in Watertown, Medford and Lynn, according to Ross.
Ross said his client plans to begin renovating the building this spring and start growing six months later.
The company has already signed a community host agreement with the city, which includes a commitment to hire 50 to 80 Fitchburg residents, he said.
Happy Valley Ventures has withdrawn its request for a special permit, but O'Hara said he was unsure if Happy Valley Ventures is planning to place a facility in another area in the city.
O'Hara said he doesn't know why Happy Valley Ventures withdrew their request.
Andrea Nuciforo, the lawyer representing Happy Valley Ventures, did not reply to a request for comment.
During a public hearing on special permit requests last November, the board asked presenters to submit more complete plans, such as a detailed security proposal, but the response from the board and the public was largely positive.
Happy Valley Ventures is the second marijuana cultivation facility to consider moving into the 60,000 square-foot facility only to have plans fizzle mid-way through the special permit application process through the Planning Board.
Last summer, Compassionate Organics, came before the Planning Board for a similar proposal on the site. CEO and Founder Geoffrey Reilinger said the company stopped pursuing the property after Happy Valley Ventures started showing interest in 25 Newport St.
"Ultimately that wasn't our choice," he said. "The other group came in and snatched it."
Reilinger said his company still plans to open a cultivation facility in Fitchburg and the Compassionate Organics is considering several properties.
"We have made a commitment to growing in Fitchburg. We've made a commitment to the community."
He did not say if 25 Newport St. is among these properties.
"All options are on the table" he said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: New Plans Presented For Fitchburg Marijuana-Growing Facility
Author: Elizabeth Dobbins
Contact: (978) 343-6911
Photo Credit: AP
Website: Sentinel & Enterprise
Happy Valley Ventures MA, Inc. submitted a request to withdraw its application to open a recreational marijuana facility on 25 Newport St. last Friday, according to Fitchburg Principal Planner Mike O'Hara.
Four days later at Tuesday night's Planning Board meeting, Mike Ross, an attorney representing NSAJO Holdings Inc., said his client is interested in applying for a special permit to open up a 50,000-square-foot cultivation facility on 20 Authority Drive.
NSAJO Holdings -- a Colorado-based company started by Newton-native Aiden O'Donovan -- hopes to open a growing facility in Fitchburg, which would supply dispensaries in Watertown, Medford and Lynn, according to Ross.
Ross said his client plans to begin renovating the building this spring and start growing six months later.
The company has already signed a community host agreement with the city, which includes a commitment to hire 50 to 80 Fitchburg residents, he said.
Happy Valley Ventures has withdrawn its request for a special permit, but O'Hara said he was unsure if Happy Valley Ventures is planning to place a facility in another area in the city.
O'Hara said he doesn't know why Happy Valley Ventures withdrew their request.
Andrea Nuciforo, the lawyer representing Happy Valley Ventures, did not reply to a request for comment.
During a public hearing on special permit requests last November, the board asked presenters to submit more complete plans, such as a detailed security proposal, but the response from the board and the public was largely positive.
Happy Valley Ventures is the second marijuana cultivation facility to consider moving into the 60,000 square-foot facility only to have plans fizzle mid-way through the special permit application process through the Planning Board.
Last summer, Compassionate Organics, came before the Planning Board for a similar proposal on the site. CEO and Founder Geoffrey Reilinger said the company stopped pursuing the property after Happy Valley Ventures started showing interest in 25 Newport St.
"Ultimately that wasn't our choice," he said. "The other group came in and snatched it."
Reilinger said his company still plans to open a cultivation facility in Fitchburg and the Compassionate Organics is considering several properties.
"We have made a commitment to growing in Fitchburg. We've made a commitment to the community."
He did not say if 25 Newport St. is among these properties.
"All options are on the table" he said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: New Plans Presented For Fitchburg Marijuana-Growing Facility
Author: Elizabeth Dobbins
Contact: (978) 343-6911
Photo Credit: AP
Website: Sentinel & Enterprise
