By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The City Council Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee will present a report and recommendations on establishing a local medical marijuana treatment center later this month. In March, councilors approved a temporary moratorium to the end of June, pending development and clarification of legal issues before pursuing local regulations and policy.
No residents appeared in favor or against a local center at a public hearing held during the June 2 council meeting. Councilor-at-Large Mark Oram asked that a map designating a recommended radius of allowable locations be included in the presentation to be made by the committee. Councilor-at-Large Katie Robie, a member of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, said that a map will be included to help define areas for consideration.
Presently under study is a bylaw that would include 1,000-foot setbacks from not only schools, daycare facilities and parks, but senior housing and retirement communities as well. The zoning change is to reflect that “these centers are located in such a way as to not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of either qualifying patients or the public at large.”
Also to be considered are the traffic flow and safety of the area, neighborhood character and social structure, impact on the natural environment, and adequacy of utilities and other public services.
