AGAWAM — Marijuana growers have shown “serious interest” in Agawam properties, but there are no plans to open retail shops, Mayor William Sapelli said this week.
Sapelli is proposing two amendments to the town’s zoning code that would allow the cultivation of recreational marijuana at indoor facilities in industrial districts, and reduce the buffer zone required between marijuana growers and nonindustrial buildings. He said he is eager to see new businesses in town, paying a property tax rate roughly double the residential rate.
“It’s a legal product that’s licensed and controlled, and there’s regulations that go with it, and it’s very safe,” Sapelli said. “If something’s legal and something’s going to bring in money … why wouldn’t you take advantage of it?”
Sapelli and town solicitor Stephen Buoniconti said out-of-town marijuana retailers have been calling to inquire about raising their crops in Agawam.
“A lot of the development calls we’re receiving are related to marijuana,” said Buoniconti.
The town already allows the cultivation of marijuana for medical dispensaries, as well as allowing marijuana processing plants. Following a referendum vote in 2019, the Agawam City Council affirmed the town’s ban on recreational marijuana retailers. The council will hold a public hearing Monday on the proposed amendments.
In addition to allowing growers to sell their marijuana to recreational retailers, the amendments would also reduce the buffer zone required around each facility to 225 feet, measured building-to-building, rather than the current 500 feet, measured property line-to-property line.
Sapelli pointed out that many of the town’s manufacturing districts are along roads near agricultural zones, which include low-density housing. Even the Agawam Industrial Park is surrounded by residential streets, he said.
Buoniconti agreed: “The way we define the buffer zone, it really knocks out many of our industrial properties,” he said.
Sapelli predicted that an indoor growing operation would fit well in an industrial zone, with a light but steady flow of workers and distribution trucks to and from the site, “just like any other business that comes in.”
Any marijuana business would have to undergo a special permit process before the Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as a state permitting process that includes a letter of nonopposition from the mayor. Sapelli said that as mayor, he would only support a business that is appropriate for its site and neighborhood, and would require a host agreement with annual mitigation payments.
Buoniconti said the Planning Board voted unanimously last month to endorse the mayor’s two proposals.
In November 2019, Agawam residents voted 2,682-1,831 against opening the town to recreational marijuana businesses. The following year, the City Council agreed to allow medical marijuana facilities to also manufacture recreational marijuana products, as long as there are no retail sales in Agawam. Sapelli said he has no intention of asking for recreational marijuana sales in town.
“The people in this community have made it clear they don’t want the sale of recreational marijuana,” he said. “That is not allowed in Agawam under the present conditions, nor would I want it to be, at this time.”
Despite the fact that town ordinances allow medical marijuana facilities, none have been built in Agawam. An organization called Debilitating Medical Conditions Treatment Center Inc. received permission in February 2018 to build a medical marijuana dispensary in the Herzenberg building next to the South End Bridge, but has not begun construction.
Because of pandemic restrictions, Monday’s hearing will be open to online participation only. Those wishing to view or participate in the hearing can log onto www.zoom.us/j/89517614138 and enter passcode 01001, or call 312-626-6799, enter meeting ID 895 1761 4138 and passcode 01001. Participants must log in or dial in before 7:05 p.m. to be admitted to the public hearing. The meeting will also be televised live on cable Channel 15 in Agawam and at agawam.ma.us.
