Politics & Government
Proposed Salem Marijuana Shop Faces Opposition
The proposal for a retail marijuana shop on the Puleo's Dairy property goes before the Zoning Board on Wednesday.
SALEM, MA -- At least 93 people have signed a petition opposing a proposal to open a retail marijuana store at 376 Highland Avenue, the site of Puleo's Dairy. The Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a continued hearing on an application by Terpene Journey LLC, which is seeking one of the three remaining licenses the city plans to grant.
I support the petitioners "and agree that this is not an appropriate location. I have concerns about the plans to enter and exit the property and the impact on the neighborhood behind the location," Ward 4 City Councillor Tim Flynn posted on Facebook. "I will share this petition and my concerns with the ZBA prior to the meeting."
The board will also hold hearings on proposals to open retail marijuana stores by Witch City Gardens at 38 Jefferson Avenue and Mederi Inc. at 250 Highland Avenue. The Zoning Board has already approved proposalsby Sanctuary Medicinals at 400 Highland Avenue and NS Alternatives at 207 Highland Avenue.
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The petition against Terpene notes there is a residential neighborhood with more than 100 homes behind the property. It also cites traffic concerns and notes that the facility that will resemble a prison "with barbed wire, bright lights" could reduce property values.
Salem's recreational marijuana law caps the number of stores at 20% of the licensed liquor stores in the city, meaning the city can grant up to five licenses for recreational marijuana stores. One of those licenses automatically goes to NS Alternatives, which already operates a medical marijuana dispensary.
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There are eight companies vying for the remaining three licenses. In addition to Zoning Approval, applicants need to get state approval and negotiate with the city for a Community Host Agreement.
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File photo by Dave Copeland/Patch.
Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).
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