MIDDLETOWN – A plan to put a marijuana dispensary in the former Bank of America building on Washington Street gained unanimous approval from the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday.
SFC CT – a joint partnership between Westport-based medical marijuana dispensary Bluepoint Wellness and two Connecticut residents – is the first to receive zoning approval for a retail outlet in Middletown.
The partnership doesn’t have a state license yet, but Bluepoint owner Nick Tamborrino said that is a matter of “when, not if,” because it was able to skip the lottery process. Existing marijuana businesses, including medical marijuana businesses, can partner with a “social equity applicant” to form an “equity joint venture.” Those ventures can bypass the state lottery process, and are awarded licenses if they meet a set of criteria.
“The team at SFC CT brings the experience necessary to operate a successful dispensary with an impeccable track record for compliance and safety,” Tamborrino told the commission. “I want to show the committee and members of the community that we are dedicated to opening a professional, safe business within the city of Middletown.”
The Planning and Zoning Commission paved the way for marijuana dispensaries in the city’s business district last year, and approved the SFC application unanimously after a quick, 30-minute public hearing where one resident spoke in opposition, citing concerns that…
