by Frank Schroth
The Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend a moratorium on any development regarding medical marijuana. Towns need to have plans in place for the growing and dispensing of medical marijuana. Town Planner said the state said refusing to have a dispensary is not an option. The rules and regulations established by the state are extensive.
The regulations cover the cultivating, packaging and dispensing of medical marijuana. Three individuals spoke during the hearing. Their general theme was similar: give the issue thorough consideration and focus on the need and benefits as well as concerns regarding crime and drug use.
There is a lot of information for the board to process.
The only member of the board who appeared to have done any research on the issue was Emily Innes. The board also heard from Michael Blanchard, Director of the Milton Health Department. The Health Department, Planning Board, and Board of Selectmen will all be collaborating on how the town addresses the issue. Mr. Blanchard said the Board of Health was in support of the moratorium. The state comment period ends 4/20 (tomorrow), which Mr. Whiteside noted was “aggressive.” The moratorium if passed by Town Meeting would give Milton until June 30, 2014 to develop a plan.
The board almost put the development of 17 Canton Avenue to bed – at least they tucked it in. The building which was to be preserved, wasn’t. And the facade to be replicated has yet to be replicated. However, they do have the sound mitigation specifications on the back up generator and the air conditioning units. They are not to exceed 72 decibels and there will be enclosures and landscaping though there were not details on supplemental landscaping either. Lastly, there is confusion over the canopy. The front door which is part of the facade to be replicated doesn’t open. Instead visitors will use a side entrance which is to have a canopy to protect them from the rain. There was some disagreement as to how it looked. One member said, “As awnings go, it is a fine awning.” Mr. Duffy thought it was “weak” and Mr. Lynch expressed concern about “the prevailing winds.” A motion was made which no one seconded. They are going to wait and get more information on the canopy which was red in the picture they were looking at; but maybe it will be black or grey. They’ll wait and see and make a decision at their next meeting.
Discussion also included but was not limited to:
An update from Ms. Innes regarding the master plan. There is a draft of the report that Brown Walker will submit. The board will have an opportunity to review the final plan. Tow of the members of the board, Mr. Duffy and Mr. Lynch, have yet to attend a master planning session. The final session will be held on April 25th at MHS auditorium at 6:30PM.
Denny Swenson whose home is partially in Canton and partially in Milton appeared – all of her. She lives on Hemenway Srive and is working to have the town designate the drive as a scenic roadway and seeking to have state designate it as an historic area. She presented the board with binders containing her application. It was thorough and impressed the board. Chair Whiteside said, “These roads certainly are scenic and this is a wonderful presentation.” Ms. Swenson is also seeking designation for Avenue A. The Milton Mews 40B proposal is in that neighborhood. Ms. Swenson is opposed to the development which will have environmental and traffic impacts. The board seemed to be in support of Ms. Swenson’s proposal. However, Mr. Whiteside was not sure that the town had jurisdiction over Hemenway Drive at it is a private way. They are going to research that issue.
Mr. Whiteside also said there would be another meeting regarding the 40B at the Hendries site with the Connellys this coming Sunday. Mr. Duffy objected to having these meetings outside of the public view. He mentioned a call he had received from a resident concerned about the process. Whiteside said any proposal would need to come before the public. Mr. Lynch asked if there was a proposal. There is not at this time. Mr. Lynch also asked about the Connellys’ reaction to the proposed changes. “Did the Connellys do any frowning?” Whiteside said, “They were interested.”