At the recent Annual Town Meeting in Whately, Massachusetts, 86 residents voted in favor of 24 out of 25 articles presented, but they decisively rejected a proposal to include a ‘Marijuana Product Light Manufacturer’ in the town’s zoning regulations. This initiative, proposed by DMC Cannabis, aimed to allow the manufacturing of cannabis products without using hazardous or flammable materials through a special permit in the Commercial, Commercial-Industrial, and Industrial districts of Whately.
DMC Cannabis, which operates a retail dispensary in the former Sugarloaf Shoppes, sought to utilize additional space for small-scale cannabis product manufacturing. CEO Jared Glanz-Berger explained that their operations would involve processing cannabis plant material and extracted oils, as well as filling cartridges and labeling packages. He compared the proposed manufacturing process to that of a commercial kitchen, emphasizing that it would be a clean and low-impact operation conducted indoors under strict regulatory oversight.
Glanz-Berger advocated for the proposal, arguing that it aimed to treat cannabis product assembly similarly to other manufacturing processes. However, the Planning Board chose not to act on the article, and the Selectboard recommended its rejection. Members expressed concerns that the bylaw was too broad and could potentially occupy valuable space in the Commercial District.
Former Planning Board member Judy Markland pointed out the town’s existing shortage of commercial space, stating, “You only get more by taking away from Ag-Res and the town’s been unwilling to do that. By adopting this, you’re more or less reducing the space you have for activities that create foot traffic.”
Ultimately, the proposal received only nine votes in favor, illustrating the community’s hesitance to expand cannabis manufacturing in town.
In addition to rejecting the cannabis manufacturing proposal, residents approved a $6.86 million operating budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $460,998 increase or 7.21% from the previous fiscal year. Key factors contributing to this budget increase included a $200,000 request from Whately Elementary School, an $85,000 rise in employee health insurance costs, and adjustments to the wage structure to bring town personnel salaries in line with neighboring municipalities. Finance Committee member Jerry Lemmon noted that town employees were previously compensated significantly below average compared to their peers.
The meeting also saw the approval of $350,000 in capital projects for fiscal year 2026, which included $183,000 allocated for new air packs for the Fire Department, recognizing the urgent need to replace outdated equipment. Other approved articles included: – Acceptance of a state law regarding the HERO Act of 2024, which introduces new property tax exemptions for veterans. – A $300,000 transfer from free cash to lower the tax levy. – A proposal to permanently shift the annual town election from June to April, with the Annual Town Meeting moving to June. – The establishment of a new Flood Hazard Overlay District to comply with recent Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements.
Residents interested in the Annual Town Meeting proceedings can view the event on Frontier Community Access Television’s YouTube page.
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