By Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – The special permit process is moving forward for a Massachusetts couple seeking to build a recreational marijuana dispensary at 329 Boston Post Road West in the existing RK Plaza.
Though there was no public comment at the City Council’s March 22 public hearing, several councilors had questions regarding job creation, traffic flow, delivery trucks and security at the proposed dispensary, known as Calverde Naturals
Co-founders Kelly and Steve Tomasello recently shared their story with the Community Advocate. Speaking with City Councilors, March 22, they said they plan to hold several local job fairs and hire for approximately 20 positions as they ramp up operations.
Calverde has previously held a community meeting. It has also signed a community host agreement that will send three percent of annual revenue back to the city. In addition, they have had an informal meeting with Marlborough’s site plan review committee and received a provisional license from the state’s Cannabis Control Commission.
After this most recent public hearing with the City Council, Calverde’s permit request moves to the Council’s Urban Affairs Committee, which will review details the city requires for the permit.
Depending upon the pace of the approval process, Kelly and Steve would like to start construction in the third quarter of 2021 with a potential opening in early 2022.
Calverde Naturals would be the fourth and final available marijuana dispensary special permit in Marlborough. Steve Tomasello said he expects Calverde to generate $7 million in revenue after the first year of operations.
