This week, the siting of possible medical marijuana centers in Watertown will be discussed by the Town Council’s Economic Development and Planning subcommittee.
After a statewide ballot question was approved in 2012 allowing the sale of medical marijuana in Massachusetts, the Town Council approved such facilities in certain areas. The law prevented the town from outright opposing all medical marijuana centers.
The Council’s decision allows these centers in Watertown if they get a special permit, and the facility must be more than 500 feet from places where children congregate and can only be in the Industrial Zones. Most of these properties are along Arsenal and Pleasant streets.
East End Councilor Angeline Kounelis said she has received calls from groups looking to open a medical marijuana facility in her district. They looked at three different locations:
• The former Richie’s Car Tunes on Dexter Avenue
• The strip mall on Elm Street next to the new Residence Inn by Marriott
• Part of the building where GymIt is located on Arlington Street
On Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m., the Council’s subcommittee will discuss the issue at a hearing to be held in the Philip Pane Lower Conference Room on the ground floor of Town Hall, 149 Main St. in Watertown.
The location on Dexter ave is not a wise choice as it is near a bike path used by adults and children, is close to an intersection that is always backed up with traffic, and worst of all probably the closest to a number of houses. If we must have one then I would suggest one of the other alternatives.