MA: Pot Shop Eyes Store Site On Newbury Street

Ron Strider

Well-Known Member
The art galleries, high-fashion boutiques and bistros of Newbury Street could be joined by a medicinal pot shop, if a marijuana dispensary operator that was turned down in Allston last year has its way.

Councilor Josh Zakim filed paperwork last Friday to hold a hearing to determine the suitability of nonprofit Compassionate Organics' proposal for a site at 331 Newbury St. in the Back Bay.

The council last August unanimously voted down the company's request for approval at an Allston site, which it needed to get further approval from the state.

Councilor Mark Ciommo accused Compassionate Organics' organizers of falsifying their application, by claiming it had verbal support from Boston police and Suffolk Sheriff Steven Tompkins. Neither Compassionate Organics nor Zakim or Ciommo responded to requests for comment yesterday.

But last year, Compassionate Organics CEO Geoffrey Reilinger told the Herald that Ciommo was "trying to create a perception of devious intent on my part." Reilinger also said the council's rejection would be hard to overcome if he had any future plans in the area.

Managers at some Newbury Street businesses said a pot shop could be a good fit. The proposed site is near a comic book store and a business that sells smoking paraphernalia.

"We are not the same clientele that is going to Burberry and Chanel," said Courtney Flynn, manager of Trident Booksellers & Cafe. "We attract an eclectic clientele. Some of them probably would enjoy a dispensary."

Leeya Beeten, general manager of the Sonsie restaurant, said: "It would bring a lot of business to the area. This block has a lot of young people, they are looking for that."

Woman_Talking_-_Matt_Stone.jpg


News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pot shop eyes store site on Newbury Street | Boston Herald
Author: Antonio Planas
Contact: Contact Us | Boston Herald
Photo Credit: Matt Stone
Website: Boston Herald | Boston Herald
 
Back
Top Bottom