Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
An eastern Massachusetts company is eyeing West Stockbridge as the potential site of a marijuana dispensary.
Ipswich Pharmaceuticals representatives met with the Select Board last week as it begins to size up the community for a facility.
"They're trying to get an understanding of what they can do in West Stockbridge," said Town Administrator Mark Webber.
The company already is in negotiations with Hinsdale, where the Select Board recently approved the company's proposal to develop a cultivation facility for both medical and recreational marijuana. That agreement came after a failed attempt to set up a facility in Becket, which twice shot down proposals; a third attempt failed after the real estate deal fell through.
Ipswich attorney Phil Silverman told The Eagle the company's plans for Hinsdale were the extent of their projections for cultivation in the Berkshires, at least for now.
"We wouldn't rule out a cultivation facility in West Stockbridge," he said, "but we have one developing already in Hinsdale."
The June 5 meeting in West Stockbridge was a first step for the town and Ipswich to begin discussions about a dispensary for both medical and recreational marijuana.
"We had preliminary discussions with the board for their interest," Silverman said. "And we've only just started looking for sites."
Webber said the board wanted to hear more and that Ipswich would be welcomed back for a follow-up meeting once the company finds an appropriate property for the business.
"The next step would be for them to come back with a proposed site," Webber said.
Then it's on to hashing out the zoning issues. There's no moratorium on or bylaw prohibiting dispensaries in West Stockbridge, but legalization is new and the laws are still being developed.
"The state has not determined regulations and guidelines," Webber said. "There are lots of questions about that."
Webber added that the board would have more questions for the company about the facility and how Town Hall and the company would work out the logistical details of having a facility in town.
Ipswich welcomes the opportunity to have that discussion, Silverman said.
"The town hasn't had to deal with this issue yet," he said.
To foster understanding of the new laws and the potential ramifications of hosting a facility, the board will likely seek the public's comment.
"I suspect that if they come back then the selectmen would set up a series of public hearings for input," Webber said.
At least one town resident has made known his opposition to a dispensary.
"I think it's going to be damaging to the town's growing good name and reputation," said Richard Squailia, the owner of Bella Grazia Pilates Studio to the north of downtown.
Squailia said that though he concedes recreational marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, he doesn't feel a dispensary is right for West Stockbridge.
"It is my feeling that it will reflect poorly on the town," he said.
Silverman said he understood some people might have issues with the business and that Ipswich would try to address those concerns.
"We don't want to force ourselves into town," he said. "We'll listen to what they want."
Silverman pointed out that the 2016 ballot question on recreational marijuana was passed by 60 percent of town residents. That shows that the town is open to the business, at least in theory.
"I think people by and large don't think this is a problem," Silverman said.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: West Stockbridge may see a marijuana dispensary | The Berkshire Eagle | Pittsfield Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic
Author: Eoin Higgins
Contact: The Berkshire Eagle | Pittsfield Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic
Photo Credit: Brian A Pounds
Website: Home | The Berkshire Eagle | Pittsfield Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic
Ipswich Pharmaceuticals representatives met with the Select Board last week as it begins to size up the community for a facility.
"They're trying to get an understanding of what they can do in West Stockbridge," said Town Administrator Mark Webber.
The company already is in negotiations with Hinsdale, where the Select Board recently approved the company's proposal to develop a cultivation facility for both medical and recreational marijuana. That agreement came after a failed attempt to set up a facility in Becket, which twice shot down proposals; a third attempt failed after the real estate deal fell through.
Ipswich attorney Phil Silverman told The Eagle the company's plans for Hinsdale were the extent of their projections for cultivation in the Berkshires, at least for now.
"We wouldn't rule out a cultivation facility in West Stockbridge," he said, "but we have one developing already in Hinsdale."
The June 5 meeting in West Stockbridge was a first step for the town and Ipswich to begin discussions about a dispensary for both medical and recreational marijuana.
"We had preliminary discussions with the board for their interest," Silverman said. "And we've only just started looking for sites."
Webber said the board wanted to hear more and that Ipswich would be welcomed back for a follow-up meeting once the company finds an appropriate property for the business.
"The next step would be for them to come back with a proposed site," Webber said.
Then it's on to hashing out the zoning issues. There's no moratorium on or bylaw prohibiting dispensaries in West Stockbridge, but legalization is new and the laws are still being developed.
"The state has not determined regulations and guidelines," Webber said. "There are lots of questions about that."
Webber added that the board would have more questions for the company about the facility and how Town Hall and the company would work out the logistical details of having a facility in town.
Ipswich welcomes the opportunity to have that discussion, Silverman said.
"The town hasn't had to deal with this issue yet," he said.
To foster understanding of the new laws and the potential ramifications of hosting a facility, the board will likely seek the public's comment.
"I suspect that if they come back then the selectmen would set up a series of public hearings for input," Webber said.
At least one town resident has made known his opposition to a dispensary.
"I think it's going to be damaging to the town's growing good name and reputation," said Richard Squailia, the owner of Bella Grazia Pilates Studio to the north of downtown.
Squailia said that though he concedes recreational marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, he doesn't feel a dispensary is right for West Stockbridge.
"It is my feeling that it will reflect poorly on the town," he said.
Silverman said he understood some people might have issues with the business and that Ipswich would try to address those concerns.
"We don't want to force ourselves into town," he said. "We'll listen to what they want."
Silverman pointed out that the 2016 ballot question on recreational marijuana was passed by 60 percent of town residents. That shows that the town is open to the business, at least in theory.
"I think people by and large don't think this is a problem," Silverman said.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: West Stockbridge may see a marijuana dispensary | The Berkshire Eagle | Pittsfield Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic
Author: Eoin Higgins
Contact: The Berkshire Eagle | Pittsfield Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic
Photo Credit: Brian A Pounds
Website: Home | The Berkshire Eagle | Pittsfield Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic
