Ansonia P&Z To Discuss Rules For Pot Farms, Dispensaries

ANSONIA — The Planning and Zoning Commission plans to discuss rules allowing growing operations and dispensaries for medicinal marijuana.

A 2012 state law allowed for the possibility of medicinal marijuana growing operations. The need for large, controlled spaces for grow operations and warehouses would seem tailor-made for many of the Valley’s vacant former industrial properties.

But the city currently has a moratorium on pot businesses dating back to 2013.

The moratorium was enacted, the zoners said at the time, because the state had not yet hashed out its own specific rules with respect to the facilities.

Here’s a WTNH report from 2013.

The city’s economic development director, Sheila O’Malley, said the city received an inquiry from one person who was interested in putting in a pot growing facility off Hershey Drive, but the plans didn’t go anywhere because the city doesn’t have regulations on the books allowing the use.

The Planning & Zoning Commission has been discussing new rules for pot facilities for months.

After one of the members of the commission brought up the possibility of medical marijuana facilities at the board’s May meeting, they voted to have the city’s planning consultant, David Elder, draft regulations for marijuana production facilities and dispensaries.

Production facilities describe where marijuana is grown. Dispensaries are places where people with prescriptions can pickup their medicine.

The zoners seemed receptive to the idea.

“I would love to see a production facility here because it’s very strictly regulated, it’s not a tomato patch,” Maureen McCormack said. ​“If that could mean some jobs for Ansonia that would be lovely.”

At a public hearing June 25, Elder said the mayor’s staff asked him to only draft regulations on production facilities, which he then presented to the commission.

As drafted, the regulations would permit marijuana growing facilities licensed by the state in industrial zones as well as commerce parks, the only one of which is the Fountain Lake Commerce Park.

They would not be allowed within 300 feet of properties with housing, schools, or churches.

If state law were changed to allow legalize marijuana completely, anyone already growing medicinal pot would need a new approval from the commission to grow recreational weed.

Elder said pot farms could be good for the city.

“In my opinion, this is an opportunity for economic development,” he said. ​“There aren’t many municipalities that are doing this, but they are increasing on a monthly basis.”

David Blackwell, the city’s blight officer, agreed.

He mentioned attending a meeting of zoning enforcement officers from throughout the state where the issue of pot facilities was discussed.

“It could be very fruitful for the city, as far as the growing of it and the dispensing of it,” Blackwell said. ​“Once the federal government accepts it, it’s going to be like going to CVS, and it’s no different than having a Pfizer corporation open by Farrel’s or wherever you decide.”

The commission discussed the issue briefly at their monthly meeting July 30, and voted to explore allowing dispensaries for medicinal marijuana as well.

They voted to put the issue on the agenda for their meeting Aug. 27, when they’ll likely set another public hearing.

“Let’s put it out there, let’s hear what the public has to say and modify it accordingly,” Michael Bettini said.

Mayor David Cassetti said he hasn’t made up his mind on the issue one way or the other.

“I’m not sure that would be the highest and best use of our buildings, but I would ask our residents,” he said. ​“I’m not sure that’s what they would want either. As with every decision I will weigh the pros and cons and do what makes best sense for our residents. Especially because this is a relatively new concept for Connecticut.”

The draft regulations are below. (Note: they begin at the bottom of the first page, near the asterisk)

Ansonia Draft Marijuana Regulations by The Valley Indy on Scribd