The Newport Planning Board is discussing a zoning amendment that could ultimately allow for the retail sale of marijuana in the city, although the board said that further study is needed and, until then, retail sales of marijuana should not be allowed by right in business and commercial zones.
The board’s Nov. 30 special meeting centered on an amendment that would define marijuana sales and uses. The state is adding compassion center licenses and is close to legalizing retail marijuana, said Patricia Reynolds, director of Planning and Economic Development. As many as six state licenses are on the table, with one possible in Newport. The City Council has enacted a moratorium on marijuana sales, which expires in January.
“The city is eager to see a new ordinance enacted prior to the expiration of the moratorium,” said Reynolds.
The zoning amendment was submitted by the city to define marijuana retail sales, and remove it as a permitted use in those districts. The Planning Board voted unanimously that, as written, the ordinance did not meet the city’s Comprehensive Plan, and asked to have a plan developed before implementing any zoning changes.
The City Council may hear the proposal on Dec. 9. The council has cited concerns that retail marijuana sales will impact siting and traffic in areas where it is sold. Such areas would be general business, waterfront business, commercial/ industrial and limited business zones, said Reynolds.
“We felt this wouldn’t be a good place to start,” she said. “The intention is not to prohibit it long-term, but to study it further.”
Vice Chair Jeff Brooks said the Planning Board will form a subcommittee to research recreational and medicinal marijuana retail sales and how the city should codify it in zoning.
“I wouldn’t want this facility to be anywhere near a school or allow it to affect open and public spaces,” board member Paul Marshall said.
One suggestion is a “floating zone,” which would allow such a use, but only after Planning Board and City Council review and approval.
The board ultimately wanted a deadline set on the zoning amendment, which it said would allow time to form the subcommittee to address the issue. The subcommittee would also consider an ordinance that would explore permitting retail sales in areas and facilities for medical purposes only.
Power Outage Disrupts Board Meeting
A power failure and Wi-Fi breakdowns caused by a wind storm, disrupted the Newport Planning Board’s Nov. 30 meeting and public access to the third and final workshop to finalize the North End Urban Plan.
The final workshop and discussion will be held Dec. 7.
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December 03, 2020 at 11:50PM
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Planning Board Discusses Amendment Aimed at Marijuana Sales - Newport This Week
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