Published: 7/26/2021 2:56:52 PM
ERVING — The Planning Board has proposed changing the town’s zoning bylaws to be more lenient regarding approval of marijuana-related businesses in certain zoning districts.
While marijuana microbusinesses and retail locations have not been allowed in the French King Commercial District and the Village Residential District, they would now be allowed by special permit following a change to the table of uses that the Planning Board approved on July 15. However, the proposed changes must first be approved by the Selectboard, Town Meeting voters and then the Attorney General’s Office.
The Planning Board’s initial concerns over allowing marijuana businesses included those regarding odor and the facility space necessary to process the plant.
“I am certain that you are going to get some kind of fumes from that,” Planning Board member George “Moonlight” Davis said. “The minute that neighbors start complaining about the odor, it would make it difficult for that business to be in an even semi-residential area.”
The Planning Board discussed the distinctions of each district to help guide their decision. Board member Debra Smith’s recognition that the Village Residential District was designed to be more of a residential neighborhood exemplifies why the board had initially been hesitant to grant certain permissions. Greater demand for marijuana business, however, prompted a second look. Board…
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Published: 7/26/2021 2:56:52 PM
ERVING — The Planning Board has proposed changing the town’s zoning bylaws to be more lenient regarding approval of marijuana-related businesses in certain zoning districts.
While marijuana microbusinesses and retail locations have not been allowed in the French King Commercial District and the Village Residential District, they would now be allowed by special permit following a change to the table of uses that the Planning Board approved on July 15. However, the proposed changes must first be approved by the Selectboard, Town Meeting voters and then the Attorney General’s Office.
The Planning Board’s initial concerns over allowing marijuana businesses included those regarding odor and the facility space necessary to process the plant.
“I am certain that you are going to get some kind of fumes from that,” Planning Board member George “Moonlight” Davis said. “The minute that neighbors start complaining about the odor, it would make it difficult for that business to be in an even semi-residential area.”
The Planning Board discussed the distinctions of each district to help guide their decision. Board member Debra Smith’s recognition that the Village Residential District was designed to be more of a residential neighborhood exemplifies why the board had initially been hesitant to grant certain permissions. Greater demand for marijuana business, however, prompted a second look. Board…