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Unitil Proposed Electric Rate Increase 10/2021

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Update 10-25-2021

The DPU has issued an ORDER ON MITIGATING THE IMPACT OF THE INCREASE OF STANDARD BASIC SERVICE RATES OF FITCHBURG GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY
--->The full order is 19 pages. I will summarize below and attach the link to the full report at the button above:

  1. Unitil Basic Service Electric rates through December 1, 2021 through May 31, 2022

  2. Lunenburg Town Administrator Heather Lemieux, Fitchburg City Councilor Marisa Fleming, Fitchburg City Councilor-at-Large Sam Squailia, and approximately 93 of Unitil’s customers filed comments opposing the proposed basic service rate increase.

  3. DPU notes that the cost of Natural Gas and Electric costs have increased dramatically...and the DPU is "deeply concerned" about these increases... and the DPU directed "the companies to guide customers that have difficulty paying their bills towards appropriate assistance programs, such as arrearage management plans and/or

    the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program". 🙄

  4. "The companies are also required to increase customer education regarding energy efficiency, particularly for low-income customers, focusing on behaviors and measures to assist customers in reducing their near-term energy bills, as well promote long term energy and demand savings." 😐

  5. Page 7 and 8 get interesting---where Energy supply companies use a lot of specific energy language to argue against Unitil's "cost mitgigation" and "unrecovered costs" plan... noting the proposal "would disrupt the competitive supply market by artificially lowering basic service rates and distorting the rates for competitive supply"

  6. Page 10: "Some of these commenters claim that Unitil’s current rates are among the highest in the country and oppose any proposed increase at this time"

  7. Page 11: Unitil noted it adjusted their cost load for the winter service program because of the 'uncertainty' of the 'start date' for Fitchburg's Municipal Aggregation program.... "Customers in the City of Fitchburg account for about 77 percent of the Company’s basic service customer base."

  8. Page 12 and 13... DPU describes why they are in favor of Unitil's rate proposal

  9. Page 13: About the $3.2 million 'unrecovered costs'... "Some commenters oppose this cost recovery proposal stating that the proposal violates cost causation principles and inappropriately shifts costs to all customers". Page 15 and 16 DPU argues in favor of Unitil's plan for recovering the costs...

  10. Page 17: Order
    Unitil’s proposed basic service rates are DENIED
    but
    Unitil’s Joint Mitigation Proposal is APPROVED
    and that
    Unitil shall recalculate its basic service rates consistent with directives contained in this Order and submit revised basic service filing, including illustrative tariffs, within two business days of this Order

Comments of The Cape Light Compact JPE

Comments of The Retail Energy Supply Association

Comments by Colonial Power Group, Inc.

Read ALL public comments here: (type: 21-BSF-A4 for docket number)

Unitil has proposed to raise the Electric rates. Deadline Oct 18th to submit comments. See below for the full text, and related documents i downloaded from the DPU page.
(ir al final para la traducción al español)
------>Here is my synopsis of all this legalese:

1. Unitil is asking the Dept of Public Utilities to raise electric rates from 12/21 to 5/22. Their first proposal would have raised the rates approx 38% ($68/month) for the average customer.

2. The MA Atty General negotiated with Unitil to lower the rates for basic service: small/medium customers. The AGO notes the basic service rates are: “dramatically higher than its current rates and are also significantly higher than its rates for last winter.”

The AGO proposes a one-time deferral of 50% of the increase associated with the proposed Basic Service rate charge over last winter’s charge.

This increase, as the AGO acknowledges in its comments, is largely attributable to the fact that Unitil procured 100% of its basic service load for the upcoming six-month period due to uncertainty regarding the implementation of Fitchburg’s pending municipal aggregation proposal.

3. Unitil proposed a new rate structure for those basic service groups. "a fixed basic service rate of $0.15650 / kWh"

However, "unrecovered costs" will be assessed via a "basic service adjustment charge" from 6/22 through 12/22.

( The Company estimates the "unrecovered costs" to be approximately $3.2 million)

4. Written comments on this *must* be filed with the DPU no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2021

--->Email: henry.d.kahn@mass.gov

--->Format: Comments must be in a .pdf attached document

--->Must have the docket number: D.P.U. 21-BSF-A4

--->Must have a brief descriptive title of the attachment.

-------------------

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES

NOTICE OF FILING AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS

D.P.U. 21-BSF-A4 October 8, 2021

Petition of Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company d/b/a Unitil for approval of Basic Service rates for December 1, 2021 through May 31, 2022, for its small and medium customer groups.

On October 1, 2021, pursuant to Pricing and Procurement of Default Service, D.T.E. 99-60-B (2000), Default Service Procurement, D.T.E. 02-40-C (2003), and G.L. c. 164, § 1B(d), Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company d/b/a Unitil (“Unitil” or “Company”)

requested that the Department of Public Utilities (“Department”) approve the results of the Company’s most recent basic service supply solicitation for December 1, 2021 through May 31,

2022, for its small and medium customer groups. The Department docketed this matter as D.P.U. 21-BSF-A4.

Through this solicitation, the Company sought to procure 100 percent of the basic service load requirements for its small customer (including residential customers) and medium customer

groups for the six-month period beginning December 1, 2021; this approach is a departure from the procurement method approved by the Department in D.T.E. 99-60-B where distribution companies must procure their load requirements through two overlapping twelve-month procurements, each for 50 percent of the load requirements.

The Company also seeks approval of basic service rates designed to collect the costs associated with providing basic service supply under this solicitation. The proposed fixed basic service rate for residential and small commercial and industrial customers is $0.19880 per kilowatt hour (“kWh”). If the Department approves the Company’s basic service rates as proposed, a typical residential (R-1) customer using 600 kWh per month will see an average monthly bill increase of $61.96 (or 37.9 percent). For specific bill impacts, please contact the Company as shown below.

On October 6, 2021, the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (“Attorney General”) submitted comments with a proposal to mitigate the rate impact of Unitil’s basic service solicitation for small and medium customer groups.

On October 8, 2021, Unitil submitted, after consultation with the Attorney General, an alternative proposal designed to lower the rate charged to the Company’s basic service customers for the upcoming basic service pricing period.

The Company represents that the Attorney General supports the Company’s October 8, 2021 proposal. Under the October 8, 2021 proposal, unrecovered costs would be collected through the Company’s basic service adjustment charge from all distribution customers over the period of June 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.

The Department seeks written comments addressing the mitigation proposal submitted by the Company on October 8, 2021. The Department encourages interested stakeholders to provide joint comments on the October 8, 2021 proposal, as well as other possible means to mitigate the effect on customers of the proposed basic service rate increase. The Company is required to provide 30-days notice of changes in the basic service rate. M.D.P.U. No. 282.

Therefore, written comments must be filed with the Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2021. To the extent a person or entity wishes to submit comments in accordance with this Notice, electronic submission, as detailed below, is sufficient.

All comments must be submitted to the Department in .pdf format by e-mail attachment to dpu.efiling@mass.gov and henry.d.kahn@mass.gov. The text of the e-mail must specify:

(1) the docket number of the proceeding (D.P.U. 21-BSF-A4); (2) the name of the person or company submitting the filing; and (3) a brief descriptive title of the document. The electronic file name should identify the document but should not exceed 50 characters in length. Importantly, all large files submitted must be broken down into electronic files that do not exceed 20 MB.

Ordinarily, all parties would follow Sections B.1 and B.4 of the Department’s Standard Ground Rules (D.P.U. 15-184-A, App. 1 (March 4, 2020)) regarding the filing of documents.

However, at this time, all filings will be submitted to the Department only in electronic format, consistent with the Department’s June 15, 2021 Memorandum addressing continued modified filing requirements. Until further notice, parties must retain the original paper version of the filing and the Department will later determine when the paper version must be filed with the

Department Secretary.

At this time, a paper copy of the filing will not be available for public viewing at the Company’s offices or the Department. The filing and other documents submitted in electronic format will be posted as soon as practicable at on the Department’s website through our online File Room at: https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/.../dockets/bynumber (enter “21-BSF-A4”). To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille,large print, electronic files, audio format), contact the Department’s ADA coordinator at DPUADACoordinator@mass.gov.

Any person desiring further information regarding the Company’s filing should contact Counsel for Unitil, Gary Epler, Esq., at epler@unitil.com. Any person desiring further information regarding this notice may contact Henry Kahn, Hearing Officer, Department of Public Utilities, at henry.d.kahn@mass.gov.

Spanish Blank 3.5 x 2 in copy 2.jpg

Comparte Por Favor - aviso con DPU/ Unitil en Espanol!

---Usar PDF aqui para enviar comentarios ----> https://bit.ly/2YSJF8Q

Departamento de Servicios Públicos

AVISO DE PRESENTACIÓN Y SOLICITUD DE COMENTARIOS

D.P.U. 21-BSF-A4 Octubre 8, 2021

Petición de Fitchburg Gas y Electric Light Compañia d/b/a Unitil para la aprobación de las tarifas para el servicio básico desde 1 de diciembre de 2021 hasta el 31 de mayo de 2022 para sus clientes de grupos pequeños y medianos.

El 1 de octubre de 2021, en conformidad con la Fijación de Precios y la Contratación del Servicio Predeterminado D.T.E. 99-60-B (2000), y Obtención de Servicio Predeterminado, .T.E 02-40-C (2003), y G.L. c. 164, § 1B(d), Fitchburg Gas y Electric Company d/b/a Unitil (“Unitil” o “Compañía”) solicitó que el Departamento de Servicios Públicos (“Departamento”) apruebe los resultados de la solicitud de suministro de servicio básico más reciente de la empresa para el 1 de diciembre de 2021 hasta el 31 de mayo de 2022 para sus grupos de clientes pequeños y medianos. El Departamento archivó este asunto como D.P.U. 21-BSF-A4.

A través de esta solicitud, la Compañía buscó adquirir el cien por ciento de los requisitos de carga del servicio básico para sus clientes de grupos pequeños (incluidos los clientes residenciales) y medianos para el periodo de seis meses que comienza el 1 de diciembre de 2021; este enfoque es una desviación del método de adquisiciones aprobado por el Departamento en D.T.E. 99-60-B donde las empresas de distribución deben adquirir sus requisitos de carga a través de dos periodos superpuestos de doce meses de adquisiciones, cada uno para el cincuenta por ciento de los requisitos de carga.

La Compañía también busca la aprobación de tarifas de servicio básico diseñadas para cobrar los costos asociados con la prestación de servicios básicos en virtud de esta solicitud. La propuesta tarifa de servicio básico fijo para clientes residenciales y empresas pequeñas e industriales es de $0.19880 por kilovatio-hora (“kWh”). Si el Departamento aprueba las tarifas de servicio básico propuesta por la Compañía, un cliente residencial típico (R-1) que usa 600

kWh por mes verá un promedio aumento de su factura mensual de $61.96 (o 37.9 por ciento).

Para conocer los impactos específicos de la factura, favor de comunicarse con la Compañía como se muestra a continuación.

El 6 de octubre de 2021, el Fiscal General del Commonwealth de Massachusetts (“Fiscal General”) presentó comentarios con una propuesta para mitigar el impacto de las tarifas de servicio básico de Unitil para los grupos de clientes pequeños y medianos. El 8 de octubre de 2021 Unitil presentó, después de su consulta con el Fiscal General, una propuesta alternativa diseñada para reducir la tarifa cobrada a los clientes de servicios básicos de la Compañía por el próximo periodo de precios de servicios básicos. La Compañía declara que el Fiscal General apoya su propuesta del 8 de octubre de 2021. Según la propuesta del 8 de octubre de 2021, los costos no recuperados serán cobrados a través del cargo de ajuste de servicio básico de la Compañía de todos los clientes de distribución durante el periodo entre el 1 de junio de 2022 hasta 31 de diciembre de 2022.

El Departamento busca opiniones por escrito sobre la propuesta de mitigación presentada por la Compañía el 8 de octubre de 2021. El Departamento anima a las partes interesadas a proporcionar sus comentarios conjuntos sobre la propuesta del 8 de octubre de 2021, así como otros posibles medios para mitigar el efecto en los clientes del aumento propuesto de la tarifa del servicio básico. La Compañía debe proporcionar un aviso de 30 días por los cambios en la tarifa del servicio básico. M.D.P.U. No. 282. Por lo tanto, los comentarios escritos deben presentarse ante el Departamento no más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el lunes 18 de octubre de 2021. En la

medida en que una persona o entidad desee someter sus comentarios en acuerdo con este aviso, el envió electrónico, como se detalla a continuación, es suficiente.

Todos los comentarios deben enviarse al Departamento en formato .pdf adjunto por correo electrónico a dpu.efiling@mass.gov y henry.d.kahn@mass.gov. El contexto del correo electrónico debe especificar: (1) el número de expediente del procedimiento (D.P.U. 21-BSFA4); (2) el nombre de la persona o empresa que somete la presentación; y (3) breve título descriptivo del documento. El nombre del archivo electrónico debe identificar el documento, pero no debe exceder los 50 caracteres. Es importante destacar que todos los archivos grandes enviados deben dividirse en archivos electrónicos que no superen los 20 MB.

Normalmente, todas las partes seguirían las Secciones B.1 y B.4 de la Normas Fundamentales del Departamento (D.P.U115-184-A, App. 1(4 de marzo de 2020)) con respecto a la presentación de documentos. Sin embargo, en este momento, todos los documentos se enviarán al Departamento solo en formato electrónico, en conformidad con el Memorando del Departamento del 15 de junio de 2021 que aborda la continuación modificada de los requisitos de la presentación de documentos. Hasta nuevo aviso, las partes interesadas deben conservar la versión original en papel del expediente y el Departamento determinará posteriormente cuándo debe presentarse la versión impresa ante el Secretario de Departamento.

En este momento, una copia impresa del expediente no estará disponible para la vista del público en las oficinas de la Compañía o del Departamento. El expediente y otros documentos presentados en formato electrónico serán publicados tan pronto como sea posible en la página web del Departamento a través de nuestra sala de archivos en:

https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/.../dockets/bynumber (ingrese “21-BSF-A4”).

Para solicitar materiales en formatos accesibles para personas con discapacidad (Braille, letra grande, archivos electrónicos, formato de audio), comuníquese con el coordinador de la ADA del Departamento al DPUADACoordinator@mass.gov.

Cualquier persona que desee obtener más información sobre la expedición de la Compañía debe comunicarse con el abogado legal de Unitil, Gary Epler, Esq., en epler@unitil.com. Cualquier persona que desee más información sobre este aviso puede

comunicarse con Henry Kahn, Oficial de Audiencias, Departamento de Servicios Públicos, en henry.d.kahn@mass.gov.

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Fitchburg Restaurants offering Takeout &/or Delivery Service re: COVID-19

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Fitchburg Restaurants offering takeout & Delivery Service during this COVID-19 Mandated shutdown

Italian


Mexican/ Spanish

American

BBQ

Pizza/ Subs

Greek

Seafood

Chinese

takeout.jpg
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Caldwell Home Extended Care Elder Care Services at 10 Prospect St

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Today I visited the open house for the Caldwell Home Extended Care Elder Care Services at 10 Prospect St in Fitchburg---right behind First Parish Church of Fitchburg near the Upper Common!
I got the tour of the home from owner Marlaine Young who took a pic with me =) This gorgeous home serves as an extended care living facility---with a more personal approach than a typical nursing home facility.
The rooms are spacious, bright and WARM with gorgeous views to Prospect St and the downtown Fitchburg towards Rollstone Hill. Homecooked meals are provided by the staff and they try to accommodate to the residents tastes---talking about the different spices and ingredients they use to try to relate to their residents memories of their homes.
Residents can bring their own furniture---or the house is fully furnished as no extra charge. They administer medication with a nurse on staff, have dieticians available and practice wound care management. Chair lifts make going up and down the stairs easy--or there are 4 rooms on the first floor available as well. The kitchen is spacious and welcoming.
Caldwell House provides a safe home environment---that does not feel like a hospital---for any senior that is not safe to be home alone, those with dementia or alzeimers, or those in need of hospice or respite care.
The city has recently required many expensive upgrade to the home--including a new fire alarm system with egress lighting and notifications--- and the work is now complete and they are advertising again to offer their services to more residents in the community. They have capacity for 6 more residents. Contact them for a tour if you are interested in a space for your loved one knowing they will be well cared for.

Their website with more information is located here:
https://www.caldwellresthome.com/
(978) 345-5827

About Caldwell Home
Residents of CALDWELL HOME enjoy all the amenities of refined living along with the security of a highly professional and courteous staff. One low monthly rate provides each person with 24 hour personal assistance. There are no hidden or additional charges for extra services, and all of the following services are included:

Medication Administration
24 hour Personal Care, including bathing and dressing
Nutritious, Complete Meal Service
Assistance with Ambulation, as needed
Social and Religious Activities
Laundry Service
Short Term Respite Care
Hospice
Wheelchair Accessible

Our spacious private rooms, some with fireplaces, are available to be furnished with personal items if desired. Family fare is served in our dining room where each residents personal tastes are considered in the planning of our weekly menus. We also feature a wrap-around patio where our residents enjoy the pleasures of outdoors with security and safety.

Our most impressive quality is our size. By serving only 10 residents, we ensure that each person receives ample attention to his/her needs for assistance and socialization. Each resident can feel secure that our caregivers will anticipate his/her personal desires, and keep his/her best interests in mind.

You are invited to call for a personal tour of CALDWELL HOME. Our Administrators/Owners will be happy to discuss your personal needs and our accommodations with you.

Privately Owned and Operated by:
Alice Jercha, R.N.
Marlaine Young

10 Prospect St.
Fitchburg, MA 01420
TEL: (978) 345-5827
FAX: (978) 345-5681

Williams Southern Soul closing

William from Williams Southern Soul called me and let me know he has sold the restaurant at 135 Lunenburg St, Fitchburg and wanted me to share this message with all you lovely people:
"Thank you to all my customers that came and enjoyed the food for the past 3 years, I thank you for your patronage and I enjoyed serving you and wish you all heath and happiness"
---He noted he is closed now; but if you'd like some of his Southern Soul cooking that he will be running his food truck Thurs-Sat from 6pm-12am at the BP Gas Station across from Classic's Pub on Central St in Leominster starting Nov 15th.
--He believes the new restaurant at 135 Lunenburg St will be a Chinese Food restaurant.

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Celebrity Bartending at 99 Restaurants to benefit Boys & Girls Club

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Celebrity Bartending at 99 Restaurants was the best!! I got to pour multiple beers...they came out AHmazing also 😎 I saw many friends and sold sooooo many raffle tickets to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster and Lunenburg ...that Mayor Dean Mazzarella is really going to have to hustle to beat my numbers... 🏆🥇

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Groundbreaking Ceremony for KFIT Fitchburg Municipal Airport Runway expansion project

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I attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony for KFIT Fitchburg Municipal Airport Runway expansion project this morning with a majority of my fellow councilors!
This is a $15.4M dollar project that is funded 90% from the Federal Aviation Administration, 5% from MassDOT, and 5% from Fitchburg ($768k).
We are eliminating the lesser used cross runway 20/02 and rebuilding the main runway 14/32 from 4500ft to 5001 ft. This allows for larger commercial jet traffic to land safely meeting insurance thresholds.
John "Jack" Naylor Sr was honored with a plaque at the Airport for his years of dedication and service to the city and the airport commission. Vice-Chair Peter Kettle spoke of the work we have done to get to this point, as did MassDOT regarding the future of air travel and how Fitchburg will be at the forefront of the transportation future.
The Finicky Fork Catering Company catered and had little cupcakes with shovels for the groundbreaking 😆

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North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Congressional Luncheon

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Representing Fitchburg here with one of my favorite 💙 Leominster city councilors, Mark Bodanza, at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Congressional Luncheon today at Great Wolf Lodge featuring discussions about current happenings in Congress with Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan. They discussed the president's impeachment proceedings, the need for Infrastructure spending, earmarks, their support for Voter Choice for Massachusetts Ranked Choice voting, trade with North America and China and much more. Thank to Fitchburg State University for sponsoring 🦅

Disc Golf 978

Visited Disc Golf 978 this afternoon... they have every accessory for Disc Golf imaginable =) Just awesome!! Right next to Nutrishop Fitchburg at 18 John Fitch Highway...they have a rewards club, they offer loaner discs, are working on a family program with local organizations like the YMCA...and are even talking about expanding with another Disc Golf Course in Fitchburg! YAAASSS.

Local Roots Cannabis Crafted

🌱 I just got the tour of the soon-to-be-opening Local Roots Cannabis Crafted in FitchburgMass at 371 Lunenburg St with owners Catherine and Dean Iandoli, Manager Nikkie Hanley and their Security director Ron L'Ecuyer who recently retired from our FPD.
Adult-use/Recreational cannabis sales, natural interior decor, will have about 14 employees (Most hires from Fitchburg) and open 7 days a week.
They hope to open by Christmas (depending on CCC approval).
Very spacious inside! Gorgeous renovation...with plenty of parking now!
They are going to be featuring local artists on the walls--- see the pic for how to submit your art.
A job fair for Fitchburg Residents will be held in the next few months... sign up for updates: www.localroots.cc
Welcome to Fitchburg!

Update December 16, 2019:
The city’s first recreational marijuana shop could be opening up in February 2020, according to its owners. Dean Iandoli, co-owner of the Local Roots pot shop, said he and his team is gearing up to open a full-service recreational pot shop at the former Godrey’s Grille & Pizzeria at 371 Lunenburg St.

https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/2019/12/16/fitchburgs-first-pot-shop-could-open-in-february-2020/

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MMA Legislative Breakfast in Fitchburg

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Thank you to the Massachusetts Municipal Association for holding your Legislative Breakfast at Fitchburg State University on this beautiful Fall Friday morning! 🍂🍁
Great to represent Fitchburg as always and hear about what is happening at the State level with the MMA that affects the city of Fitchburg. Nice to see our Mayor, Representative, Procurement Officer and our DPW Commissioner attend as well.
🏫 We went over pending bills that will affect Fitchburg such as the Student Opportunity Act--which they anticipate to pass-- that will increase our school funding and benefit Fitchburg as a community with higher Special Needs students, English as a Second Language Learners and low-income population students. The MMA recommended to contact Senator Dean A. Tran for his take on exactly how that will affect us---as we will get more money for education, but this also will affect our Net School Spending requirements (we'll likely have to contribute more).
🌱 We discussed update to the Marijuana allowances for Community host Agreements---and how they may have to change.
🚗Thanks to surplus revenue we are getting another increase of 20% in Chapter 90 Road funding (from $200M to $240M), same increase as last year--- but the MMA stressed how this is still woefully inadequate---as we know very well in Fitchburg.
Many other important updates at the State level that will directly affect us legislators in Fitchburg... if you have any questions let me know.... I'm always grateful to have these opportunities to represent our people and their concerns.

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Legislative night at the Chocksett Inn 2019

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Great time chatting with fellow elected officials, business leaders and candidates for office tonight at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Legislative night at the Chocksett Inn 🇺🇸 Saw my favorite city councilors from Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner...and beyond to Ashby and Westminster! Great event to be able to regionally discuss our successes and challenges ... thanks to Mount Wachusett Community College for sponsoring!

The Pig in Flames restaurant opening

Fitchburg's NEWEST restaurant is The Pig in Flames at 96 Franklin Road in Parkhill Plaza. Alerted by my little birdies in DFN that today was their first full day open... we went there for lunch...and just WOW.
It is homestyle BBQ ---with juice drinks and smoothies!
The Pulled pork was incredible...so delicious and also crispy in the right places....get it with the coleslaw side and it is especially delicious.
Also got a steak and chicken skewer....they are huge and perfectly cooked...juicy.
They give you Compostable takeout containers and cutlery... which I love so much.
They also have sandwiches ready made to go in their cooler for a FAST lunch.
Hours are M-Th 11am-7pm and Fri/Sat 11am-3am
Website www.thepiginflames.com
The owner Liz Davis noted they will be offering delivery by UberEats soon!

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PetSupplies Doggie Wash & Doggie Adoption

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UPDATE: The doggie wash and doggie adoption was an amazing success!!!
Second Chance Animal Services brought 5 puppies...and ALL WERE ADOPTED!! 🚚❤🐕🐩 So much happiness abound on Saturday!
We could not have done it without The Hair Loft on Mass Ave in Lunenburg... so please tell them THANK YOU and get your hair, nails or toes done there too 💅
Thanks to all who brought their dogs for washes too 💧🌊🐕🐩 Thank you Pet Supplies Plus for the support!

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Fitchburg Healthcare First Responders BBQ

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Thank you Fitchburg Healthcare for the invite to your First Responders BBQ! Honored to attend and help represent Fitchburg.
I had a great burger and chat for lunch about our EMS service and Fitchburg Healthcare amenities with Carol and a few of her friends 💜
Great to see Senator Dean A. Tran there with his fabulous staff and Cutest mini-Dean.
Also spoke with Executive Director David Hicks about the rising costs of healthcare for our Seniors...and declining reimbursements from the State for their care. Resulting in closures of adult-senior care facilities and increased burden on staff and healthcare workers. #SaveOurSeniors

Marijuana/ Cannabis Businesses in Fitchburg

Page Updated August 2, 2023

I've been asked a few times "How many Cannabis businesses are going in now in Fitchburg?" So I put together this fairly comprehensive list....if I am missing anything or have anything that should be corrected please let me know!


Also, great article in the paper summarizes more and gives some more info: http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_32395267/preparations-underway-fitchburg-pot-shops

Info from Community Development Office as of 9/17/2019

Host Agreements Approved

January 1, 2018 - October 10, 2019

Marijuana/ Cannabis Businesses in Fitchburg: as of 10/10/19

General Notes

  • There is a cap on an individual licensee of 100,000 sq. ft. grow canopy.

  • There’s no cap for number of licensed cultivators.

  • For retail sales of Adult Use it is capped at 40% of the amount of package stores licenses, or 7 stores (referenced by City Solicitor). (Number of 8 used by city councilors most often in meetings when referencing 40% number, as minimum 20% number was rounding up per CCC)

  • Fitchburg voters approved adult-use/recreational cannabis 56.7% (8,707) to 43.3% (6,636), November 8th, 2016.

In Operation

Garden Remedies, Inc., 307 Airport Rd

Cultivation & processing of Medical Marijuana

 

Revolutionary Clinics, 1 Oak Hill Rd

Cultivation & processing of Medical & Adult Use Marijuana

Mass. Patient Foundation, 99 Development Rd

Medical Marijuana cultivation facility

Adult Use Marijuana cultivation facility (approved 8-13-2019)

  • Apothca, Inc.

  • Mass Patient received Special Permit approval 8/16/16 for a medical marijuana cultivation and processing facility at 99 Development Rd.

  • September 12, 2017 approved 7-0 to expand grow area

  • 9-12-2017 Meeting Minutes: http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09122017-1092

  • 8-13-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 8-13-2019 Special Permit Modification & Site Plan Review -Mass. Patient Foundation, 99 Development Dr. Modification of bldgs. & expansion to produce Adult Use Cannabis Note: Mass. Patient Foundation is doing business as “Apothca” Hearing opened. Joe Lekach & Richard Philbrick, Apothca present. Apothca is requesting some clarification on the Planning Board’s Special Permit decision as to which buildings in they are allowed to operate in. They are currently in Bldgs. 1 ,10, 14 & 23 (including the greenhouse additions). Total growth canopy: 26,000 sq. ft. (Tier II: 30,000 40,000 sq. ft.). No expansion of grow canopy is being planned. No expansion to other buildings on Fitchburg portion of the site are contemplated. They are planning to expand to one building on the Westminster side of the town line and are currently in discussion w/ Westminster Planning Board. Their retail locations are in Arlington, Jamaica Plain & Lynn. Fitchburg is their only grow facility. Richard showed the Board photos of interior of site with some cleaning up of vegetation. Board: How about cutting down overgrown vegetation outside the chain link fence? Apothca would rather leave that there for screening. Fitchburg Fire Prevention is OK with conditions on the site. Public comment: Motion made & seconded to close hearing. Vote in favor.Motion made (Mr. Hurley) & seconded (Mr. Van Hazinga) to Approve Modification of Special Permit. Vote 5-0 in favor

 (Approved/ Pending State Approval or Opening)


Atlantic Medicinal Partners, 774 Crawford St.

Medical Marijuana cultivation/processing & dispensary facility

Revolutionary Clinics, 1 Oak Hill Rd.

Cultivation & processing of Adult-Use Marijuana

  • Bert Vining, Vice President of Revolutionary Clinics

  • Total Employees: 85 (65 at Oak Hill Rd) soon to be 120 Employees total.

  • A minimum of 35% of product produced is reserved for medical patients, the rest could go to the Adult Use Market

  • Product is locked and secured and transported to Somerville, and two locations in Cambridge.

  • Approved August 21st 2018 7-0

  • 8-21-18 Meeting Minutes: http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08212018-1374

 

Garden Remedies, Inc., 307 Airport Rd

Cultivation & processing of Adult -Use Marijuana

  • Retail location in Newton

  • They currently employ 75 employees and will be adding 30 more.

  • They pay 1.25% of profits to City per Host Community Agreement..

  • Approved August 21st 2018 7-0

  • 8-21-18 Meeting Minutes: http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08212018-1374

  • 9-10-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 9-10-2019 Minor Amendment of Special Permit #2018-7, Garden Remedies, 307 Airport Rd. -revised Greenhouses Hearing opened. Brian Marchetti, McCarty Engineering present. Plan approved by Board last year for “hoop house”greenhouses be located on a bed of crushed stone has been revised. Garden Remedies current proposal is to construct a more permanent 32,256 sq. ft. greenhouse in the same area. The greenhouse will have a poured 4-foot high concrete foundation, a concrete slab on grade, and a tubular steel frame with glass walls & roof. Part of the structure is in the 100-year floodplain. Finish Floor Elevation of greenhouse will be one foot above the Base Flood Elevation. Compensatory flood storage will be provided. An Amended Order of Conditions hadbeen approved at the last Conservation Commission meeting. Public comment: None. Motion made & seconded to close hearing. Vote infavor.Motion made (Mr. Fontaine) & seconded (Mr.Van Hazinga) to Approve Minor Amendment of Special Permit. Vote 7-0 in favor.

 

NS AJO Holdings, 20 Authority Drive

Cultivation, processing & retail sales of Medical & Adult-Use Marijuana

  • Aidan O’Donovan, CEO of NS AJO Holdings, Inc.

  • Closed on the (Geosearch) building in May 2018

  • The Adult Use plants will be distinguished from medical plants thru colored tags.

  •  Building is 43,000 sq. ft. but the grow canopy will be a Max. of 20,000 sq. ft. (Tier 3). This maxes out their grow space. 

  • Retail locations planned in Dorchester & Watertown.

  • They’ll pay 3% sales tax. Their total payment to City is max. $400,000/year

  • Est. 4-5 month construction period. Planning on a Spring 2019 opening.  They will build half of space to start, finish in 2020. 

  • 75 employees at full build-out.  Total investment $9-10 million.
    Approve Sept 11, 2018 7-0

  • Approved Special Permit August 8, 2017 for Medical Marijuana

  • 7-11-2017 Meeting Minutes: http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07112017-1069

  • 8-8-2017 Meeting Minutes: http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08082017-1080

  • 6-19-2018 Host Agreement

  • 9-11-18 Meeting Minutes: http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09112018-1395

  • 9-10-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 9-10-2019 MINOR SITE PLAN REVIEW NS AJO Holdings, 20 Authority Dr. -extension on Site Plan Approval condition for Adult Use Cannabis Atty.Dan Glissman, Prince Lobel Tye& Aiden O’Donovan ofNS AJO present. Dan submitted a handout to the Board explaining their request. They are seeking an extension of the one-year period to commence operation of the Adult Use Cannabis operation, which was a condition of their October 2018 Site Plan Approval. Progress at site to date: Construction started on interior fit-out Feb. 2019. They expect to finish construction end of year. Est. start of cultivation: 1stQ 2020. Plan to open doors April 2020. Q: Will both medical and non-medical cannabis be available at the same time?Aiden: TBD. In the previous site plan approval decision there was some confusion over language. Agreed: The Board’s Site Plan Approval was intended to cover the Cultivation, Processing & Retail sales of Adult Use Cannabis. The decision will be revised to reflect that. Motion made (Mr. Fontaine) & seconded (Mr. Van Hazinga) to Approve an extension of the time period to commence operation of the Adult Use cannabis operation to one year from October2019, and also to clarify language of the Site Plan Approval. Vote in favor.

 

Native Sun Wellness, 140 Industrial Road

Cultivation/processing of Medical Marijuana

  • Mark Schuparra, CEO & Michael Drayer, head grower of Native Sun Wellness

  • Building (former Moduform) is72,000 sq. ft. on a 6.4 acre site.

  • Proposed grow canopy approx. 40,000 sq. ft.

  • They will have approx. 15 employees in Year 1.

  • DBA “Native Roots”.

  • Their retail locations will be in Cambridge. 

  • Time frame: 12-14 month build out from December 2018

  • 5-8-18 Meeting Minutes for Informal Review: http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05082018-1313

  • 12-11-18 Meeting Minutes: http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12112018-1472

  • 5-14-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 5-14-2019 Site Plan Review -Native Sun Wellness, expanding to cultivation/processing of Adult-Use Marijuana, 140 Industrial Rd. Hearing opened. Michael Drayer, NSW Director of Cultivation, Jamie Rheault, W&B &Atty.Phil Silverman,Vicente Sederberg present. Michael & Jamie: NSW rec’d Special Permit last year(#2018-17) to grow/process Medical Marijuana. NSW is seeking Site Plan Approval to expand to cultivation/processing of recreational cannabis, as an “Experienced Operator”, per Sec. 181.6542 of the Ordinance.Adding Adult Use is an important factor in raising the capital to make the project a reality.

  • 5-14-2019 Planning Board comments: Work to date? They have started on power upgrades to building,and have started to separate the 140 Industrial Rd. building from the adjacent Moduform building at 172Industrial Rd. Timetable? Michael estimates 3-6 months to really get going on site work. Their application is pending with the CCC. Q: Any changes to the building or floor plan with adding Adult Use? No, it will only allow them to also produce for adult use retailers. They have a retail location pending in Hudson. Grow canopy 40,000 sq. ft. Total building footprint: 70,000 sq. ft. Their Host Community Agreement for cultivating medical marijuana also covers non-medical. NSW will lease the space from a landlord parent company. NSW not interested in a retail location here now. Deliveries between ME’sare allowed. Condition suggested: If Home Delivery is ever allowed in future by CCC, it will be subject to further Planning Board approval. Public comments:Melanie Weeks (Monty Tech representative): At their meeting w/ Monty Tech School Board a few months ago, NSW had stated that they would never have a retail location at Industrial Rd.site. Mary Jo Bohart, Economic Development Director: Is Moduform staying on as a tenant in the rest of the building? Yes, for the time being. Motion made & seconded to close public hearing. Vote in favor.Motion made (Mr. Van Hazinga) & seconded (Mr. Hurley) to Approve the Site Plan, subject to: Conditions to mirror typical/existing adult use cultivation facilitiesFile disclosure forms & releases for background checks. Vote 7-0 in favor.

 

Cypress Tree Management, 431 Westminster Street

Medical & Adult Use?

Cultivation & processing of Medical Marijuana (7/18, 9/18)

  • Matt Fournier Building Owner

  • Zach Harvey, COO of Cypress Tree Mgmt.

  • d/b/a Weston Roots

  • Cypress Tree will be using 50,000 sq. ft. of the building

  • Medical marijuana cultivation establishment with 32-50 employees.

  • Approved Sept 11, 2018 7-0

 

Colonial Cannabis, 141-143 Water St.

Retail sale of Adult-Use Marijuana

  • Jack Carney, Green Era LLC

  • There will be a vestibule entrance with security.  Customers will wait in queue & wait for employee to check IDs.

  • They will only allow 20 -25 people inside store at any one time.  If waiting line extends outside, additional security will be provided. 

  • Expects peak times will be >5:00p.m. on Fridays. Hours expected to be M-Th 10-8, Fri.-Sat. 10-10

  • They are proposing to use one-half of the 3,500 sq. ft. space for retail cannabis sales and the other half for a Potential restaurant.

  • Expect to start with 4-5 employees, may go up to 7 once established.

  • 2% of retail sales with $10K annually to community relations board.

  • Approved November 13th 6-0

 Blue Collar Botany, 644 River St.

Cultivation/processing of Adult-Use Marijuana

The Caregiver-Patient Connection, 373 Lunenburg St.

Retail sales of Adult-Use Marijuana

  • Catherine Trifilo (Iandoli) & Dean Iandoli, Owners

  • Adult Use cultivation/processing facility in Barre (10,000 sq. ft.)

  • Retail Name: Solcanna

  • Hours approved by Planning Board for retail facility: 11:00 a.m. -8:00 p.m., 7 days per week.  (1-9-2019)

  • 1-9-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • Est. 4-6 employees; 1,270 sq.ft. floor space. Maximum 12-15 customers per hour; 21 people max. capacity by building code.

  • 3% of retail sales, 5 yr. contract.  $10K/year to Community Relations Board. 

  • 11-20-2018 Host Agreement

  • 4-9-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 7-9-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 7-9-2019 Planning Board; MINOR SITE PLAN REVIEW 371 Lunenburg St., Caregiver-Patient Connection, minor revisions Mike Staiti presented revised plan by Hannigan Engineering dated 7/9/19. Revisions include angled parkingspaces in front of building, more detail on the landscaping out front, and a handicap access ramp on the right (westerly) side of the bldg. Per Building Code, the value of the site’s construction work as a % of the total valuation of the property triggers making the entire bldg. accessible, thus the need for the ramp. Ms. Caron: The replacement fences on side of the parcel should be noted on the site plan as vinyl siding. Motion made & seconded to Approve revised site plan. Vote 5-0 in favor. Mike stated construction should be complete by early August. They hope to have retail open this fall, but it depends ongetting approval from the CCC

  • Update September 2019: Retail name appears to be Local Roots

Fresh Connection Boston, LLC, 175 Kimball St

Adult-Use Marijuana Cultivation & Processing

  • Host Agreement 4-2-2019 105-19 City Council

  • 5-14-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 5-14-2019 Special Permit & Site Plan Review - Hearing opened. Will Seagaard & Samantha Seagaard present. Will explained plans to use the bottom floor of 175 Kimball for a Tier II (max. 10,000 sq.ft. grow canopy) cannabis cultivation facility. Phase I will have a 2,100 sq. ft. grow canopy. They will expand to 5,000 -10,000 sq. ft. Building is three stories, 300 feet long. FATV will still lease the entire 2ndfloor. No other tenants will be in the building. Fire Prevention has done several walk-throughs of the building; sprinkler heads need to be replaced. Access to grow facility is only thru the main entry. Entire site will be fenced in. The wall facing the railroad tracks has no windows. Steep rocky slope from the rear of the site down to the RR tracks. Board reviewed plan with the 300-foot buffer delineated showing all protected uses within 300’. There are 17 residential uses on Kimball St.& Rollstone St. and one church within the 300-foot radius. The nearest residential parcel is 60 feet away.They expect 5-6 employees to start, expanding to 12 on the largest shift. Host Community Agreement has been finalized, permission for background checks have been submitted.

  • 5-14-2019 Capt. Lemay: Fitchburg P.D. -No issues w/ FPD. Q: Odor control? They will use positive air pressure & charcoal filters in order to keep odors from leaving building.Timeline? They hope to be open by 2020. Mr. Fontaine suggested clearing out overgrown vegetation at the corner of Kimball & Rollstone. DPW commented they they’re interested in a drainage easementfrom the applicant. Motion made & seconded to close public hearing. Vote in favor.Motion made (Mr. Fontaine) & seconded(Mr. Hurley) to Approve a Special Permit, subject to: Usual Cannabis grow facility Special Permit conditions.Clearing out overgrown vegetation & invasives at the corner of Kimball & Rollstone. And also granting a waiver from the300-feet buffer requirement in Section 181.656. Vote 7-0 in favor.

(Pending Approval)

 

Green Era, 371 John Fitch Hwy

Retail sales of Adult-Use Marijuana

  • 1-9-2019 Planning Board Agenda Minutes

  • Jack Carney

  • 2,900 sq. ft. unit in Wallace Plaza

  • Max. capacity on sales floor:25.

  • Hours of operation: Sun. -Thurs. 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

  • Expected Cannabis suppliers to be INSA, Commonwealth Cultivation and/or Eastern Heirlooms

  • Retail Name: Colonial Cannabis

Hub Craft /Hub Culture, LLC

Medical & Adult-Use Cultivation

  • 2-19-19 Planning Board Minutes

  • Howard Tanyu, The Hub Culture, Hunter Slay & Brian Arandez, Vosht Capital, Stephen Chaisson & Rebecca Adams, AC3, LLC and Scott Cornett, Northpoint Construction Mgmt.

  • Proposal to convert entire former Parks-Cramer bldg.@ 25 Newport St. into a Recreational Cannabis cultivation & processing facility. Phase I is a 26,000 sq. ft. fit-out. Theyhave done a walk-thru w/ Fitchburg Fire Prevention & have discussed their security arrangement w/ FPD. Eventually, they plan to expand to the entire 55,000 sq. ft.building. They have reviewed the file on the prior Special Permit for this site. They are OK with complying with the conditions of that Special Permit.

  • Full build-out the entire Grow Canopy will be 30-40,000 sq. ft. Employees:Phase I -15-30. At full buildout-50-60.Lighting:Currently High Pressure Sodium, but they will be transitioning to all LEDs. Some smaller HVAC equipment will be on rooftop,large HVAC will be ground-mounted. ROI Industries(existing business in bldg.) will need to relocate. The grow facility will operate 24/7.

  • Host Agreement on 4-2-2019 City Council Agenda

Stalk & Beans, 431 Westminster St.

Cannabis Third-Party Transporter

  • Proposed to take 520 sf of space in Mill

  • 12-11-18 Meeting Minutes: http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12112018-1472

  • 1-9-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • Matt Fournier, property owner, Matt Knox, Stalk & Beans, LLC, Rick Nagel, security consultant, Atty.Phil Silverman, John Caveney, Architect.

  • Stalk & Beans is not a retailer but acts as an Agent for the Cannabis producer, testing lab or retailer. Phil & Matt explained proposal. A small 520 s.f. portion of building will be divided off & fenced-in storage area installed for two vehicles. Drivers only get code to open lockbox in vans when they reach their intended destination. Also small office space with safe. CCC requires office safe for product storage on the rare occasion when drivers are unable to deliver product to their intended destination & they have to return. They will have two vehicles garaged overnight and three employees. Rick Nagel explained security plan. Security will be provided as if it were a dispensary.Van drivers will not be armed.

  • Host Agreement on 3-19-19 City Council Agenda

The Healing Center, 326 River St

  • 8-13-2019 Chuck Miller present to submit full application pkg for the September meeting and briefly explain plan. They are not making major changes to the former Cumberland’s site. Using previous main entrance, will have a new garage door on the side to the building for delivery of product. 20 parking spaces on site. Board comments: Show elevations of all sides of building, show screened dumpster location (if any), show access behind, show security camera locations.

  • 9-10-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 9-10-2019 Special Permit &Site Plan Review -The Healing Center, 356 River St. (former Cumberland Farms) Retail sales of Adult-Use Marijuana Hearing opened. Atty. Danielle de Benedictis, Paul Ferazzi, Mannie Greenspan, security guy (name) present. Applicants propose to convert the former Cumberland Farms building at the corner of Daniels & River St. into a retail facility for Adult Use Cannabis. Parcel: .45 acre. Total bldg. size:2,840 sq. ft., 2,000 sq. ft. to be used for retail. 27 parking spaces on site. Customer entrance will be in same location as Cumberland’s was.New garage door to be installed on left side of bldg. so delivery vehicle can pull completely into the bldg. They will eliminate the parking spaces shown on plan in frontof that door. Landscaping island at the intersection will be enlarged. No exterior dumpster, they’ll store waste inside bldg. USTs on site will be removed by Cumberland’s prior to closings. Cumby’s is also responsible for any contamination originating from site. Proposed hours of operation 10:00 a.m. to 10:00p.m.--will need to checkw/ FPD about closing that late. Dept. comments reviewed. Still need written comments from FPD. Board comments: Board reviewed 300-foot buffer map -Will need waiver of 300-foot buffer from residential portion of the One Oak Hill Rd. parcel (Anwelt Heritage Apts.). Applicant should think about whether existing bollards in front of building still needed, go with curb stops instead? Q: Host Community agreement? They are working w/ City Solicitor on it. Security plan & camera locations discussed. (security guy)has worked with several other cannabis applicants other communities. They have contracts w/ 15 other Cannabis facilities to provide security systems.Suggested off-site improvements: Repair sidewalk at corner of Daniels St. & River St. Ms.Caron suggested clearing vegetation on sidewalks underneath the nearby R/R underpass, make it easier for pedestrians. It was noted that although the Police Department has noted tacit approval of the project, their formal comments were not submitted for this hearing. Given that this is a dispensary on a busy rotary, their opinion was needed before making a final decision.Mr. Fontaine noted that a vinyl fence would be preferred in the rear of the building. They noted a chain-link was preferred by the Police Department for security reason. It was also noted that plan shows rest room in lobby? Public restroom on site would not be preferable, given the use. However, if so, customers should be required to leave their purchases at front desk before entering rest rooms. Q:Is a restroom open to the public even req’d by Bldg. Code?Applicant should check with the Building Department. Public comments: Dorothy Rouleau, Star Storage, 320 River St. -Wanted more information about project.Kathleen Dufour, 356 River St. -Traffic at Cleghorn Rotary is getting worse.Timing of signals on all approaches need to be looked at. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to the October 8th meeting.

Cannaburg Cultivation Coorperative LLC, 310 Broad St.

Adult-Use Cannabis cultivation

  • Rob Bujold of Westminster Millworks present. Total building area:56,000 sq.ft. Proposes to convert 14,000 sq. ft. on 2nd floor into a small, coöp. grower, 4,000 sq. ft. total grow canopy.

  • Building is outside of 300-foot buffer to Crocker Field, but perhaps within 200 -feet of the Horizon Church parcel. Rob will pursue Special Permit.

  • 11-13-2018 Meeting Minutes: http://www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11132018-1446

  • 8-14-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 8-14-2019 310 Broad St. (Westminster Millworks) Sean Morrison & Rob Bujold in to informally discuss a Coöp grow facility (max. Grow Canopy 10,000 sq. ft.) on a portion of the 2nd floor of the Westminster Millworks building at 310 Broad St. No visible changes from the outside, although they will need to add another entrance on Broad St. Building footprint takes up entire lot; there is no room for off-street parking. Board comments: Show elevations of all sides of building, show screened dumpster location (if any), show access behind bldg., show security camera locations, show how security plan works with having multiple tenants in the bldg.

  • 9-10-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 9-10-2019 Special Permit & Site Plan Review- Cannaburg Cultivation Cooperative, LLC, 310 Broad St., Cultivation of Adult-Use Marijuana Hearing opened. Rob Bujold, applicant & property owner and Sean Morrison present. Applicant proposes a coöp grow facility (max. grow canopy 10,000 sq. ft.) on a portion of the 2nd floor of 310 Broad St. Building footprint takes up entire lot; there is no room for off-street parking. Rob unsure if current business (Westminster Millworks) will stay in bldg. No other tenants will be in bldg. All windows will be re-done. New man door will be installed on first floor. There is another access out the rear of the bldg.Board reviewed interior layout. Applicant noted that the building was going to be renovated with historic tax credits, and so would follow historic preservation standards. Board comments: Strongly suggest changing name instead of “Cannaburg”. Show elevations of all sides of building, show screened dumpster location (if any), show access behind bldg., show security camera locations, and show how security plan works with having multiple tenants in the bldg. Inside trash receptacle, no outside dumpster. Dept. comments reviewed. Public Comment: Nick Squailia, 315 Broad St. across the street. Willing to lease Rob as many space as needed Motion made & seconded to close hearing. Vote in favor.Motion made (Mr. Fontaine) & seconded (Mr. Van Hazinga) to Approve Special Permit with conditionsIf interior layout is modified, subject to Planning Board review & approval. Upper floors to remain vacant. Any future tenants subject to Planning Board review & approval.Subject to addressing Dept.review comments. Repair windows in entire building.Provide written lease for use of parking spaces across street at 315 Broad St. Subject to Planning Board review & approval of the applicant’s Standard Operating Procedures for the cultivation facility. Subject to City Council approval of Host Community Agreement. Vote 7-0 in favor.

 (Informal)

ACT Labs

Independent Cannabis Testing Lab

  • Special Permit & Site Plan Review 5-14-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 131 John Fitch Hwy.

  • Logan Morse, ACT labs

  • Will be using site of the former “Sunsations” tanning salon. ACT Labs currently has locations in four other states & they plan to expand to five more. Estimated build-out 8 weeks, while waiting for CCC approval. There will be cameras at front door, double vestibules w/ key card entry only. Only employees will be allowed in bldg. ACT employees go to sites to pick up random samples. Their average sample size is .35 grams (sandwich bag size). They will have two vans. JFH site will have 7 designated parking spaces for ACT Labs. Hours will depend on demand, but likely M-F 8:00 -5:00 to start and maybe more. Initially will have 4 employees to start & expand to about 10.

226 Westminster St.

Retail sales of Adult Use Cannabis

  • 2-19-2019 Planning Board Minutes

  • 226 Westminster St. Mr. Patel & others presented proposal & asked Board whether this would be a suitable location.Board & Capt. Lemay comments: A high visibility site, however would need Waivers of the 300-foot Buffer from residential neighbors to the rear (Temple St., Vernon Court, Vernon St., etc.) Applicants may pursue in the future but were advised that there is a limited number of Retail locations that can be approved.

Oxford Investment Partners, LLC, 25 Newport St.

Cannabis Cultivation/processing

 

 

Documents: 2018 2-15 Planning Board non-medical marijuana amendments

MY PERSONAL NOTES for the 3-12-2018 Council as a Whole Marijuana Meeting

032-18  3% Local Sales Tax, Approve.

033-18 Alcoholic Beverages and Marijuana
This Ordinance to amend 56-1 of the City Code appears to disallow the Consumption of Marijuana in a public area explicitly; without any ability for the City to allow it for special circumstances that may arise like for special events.

Whereas, in this same Ordinance, Alcohol is also prohibited in a public area, unless in an area licensed by the Board of License Commissioners.

Why are we not treating Marijuana in the same fashion as alcohol, and subjecting it to the limitations of the areas as licensed by the Board of License Commissioners?

When and If Social Consumption businesses are allowed by the State Cannabis Control Commission, will the Board of License Commissioners be our City entity that would regulate Marijuana Licenses? I would assume so.

Move to amend the proposed Ordinance to subject the Public Consumption Marijuana use to the same limitations as Alcohol.

034-18 Marijuana Retailers

This ordinance sets the number of allowed Marijuana Retailers, defined as: an entity licensed to purchase and deliver non-medical marijuana and marijuana products from ‘Marijuana Establishments’ and to deliver, sell or otherwise transfer non-medical marijuana and marijuana products to ME’s and their consumers.

It is currently proposed to set the maximum for the city at the minimum number as allowed per the State Act to Ensure Safe Access to Marijuana Section 23 which basically says that if a majority of our citizens voted yes on Question 4, which Fitchburg was 56.8% yes, then we cannot “ limit the number of marijuana retailers to fewer than 20 per cent of the number of licenses issued within the city or town for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises where sold” unless we put it on the ballot.

We have approximately 18 Alcohol Package Stores in the City of Fitchburg.
A 20% maximum would limits us currently to (4) allowable Marijuana Retailer licenses. 18 locations throughout the city to purchase Alcohol, and 4 for Marijuana.

Move to amend the proposed Ordinance to limit the total number of Marijuana Retailer licenses to be equal to the number of alcoholic beverage licenses not to be drunk on the premises.

035-18 Social Marijuana Consumption

This ordinance regulates the allowance of public Social Marijuana Consumption businesses in Fitchburg.
The Cannabis Control Regulations as of 3-9-2018, 935 CMR, prohibit social consumption businesses already, so I see no need to further prohibit this in the city ordinance.
If CCC Regulations, 935 CMR, is amended to allow Social Consumption Businesses, the question is if Fitchburg wants to disallow this business model right from the start?
We currently have 68 locations in the city where Alcohol can be consumed on premises, in a restaurant, bar or special event location such as the Airport, Main Street or at Fitchburg State University.
I believe banning Social Consumption businesses altogether, when we have 68 locations for alcohol, is not in spirit with Question 4, that passed with 56.8% of Fitchburg Voters voting Yes, that read in part “The purpose of this act is to control the production and distribution of marijuana… in a manner similar to alcohol and to make it legal for adults 21 years of age or older”
Move to give this ordinance leave to withdraw.

036-18 Marijuana as a Drug

Move to amend the ordinance to Add the Definition for Marijuana on its own line, and not be sub-classified under the drug definition.

037-18 Prohibit underage use

Ok!

Skip to 54:35 for Cannabis Discussion

MY PERSONAL Public Hearing 4-3-2018 Notes

Amend the 1,000 Feet between Marijuana Establishments to 300 Feet.

While this distance may be workable in larger cities, in Fitchburg it would be onerous and an unfair burden to proposed retailers or store-front owners who find themselves in violation of that 1,000' distance due to our relative size and another retailer who happened to get a location earlier. -David Streb

 

The proposed buffer for schools to Marijuana Establishments is 300ft.

Easthampton requires 200ft between MRs.

 

Amend 181.6544 to strike the reference to no more than 20% of the alcohol package store licenses and only refer to the City Ordinance that establishes the allowed maximum number.

 

Amend 181.9414 D15 Marijuana Cultivation Establishments to include Mill Overlay Districts in addition to LI and I zones

Provide good reuse of the empty mill buildings throughout the mill overlay district and provide needed tax income for the city

 

D16 to include the new Marijuana Retailer District Overlay Areas

Here is the updated map provided by the city for the proposed allowable Retail Marijuana zoning areas to be voted on April 17th, 2018

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Fitchburg councilors tour specialized CARES School

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My fellow councilor Walsh and I got the full tour with Principal Katherine Flynn during a recent open house at the new Deveraux CARES School in Fitchburg. 
Previously occupied by the Durham School of the Institute of Professional Practice, the new Deveraux CARES (Center for Autism Resources and Education Services) is a small private special education school that supports students ages 8-22 with Autism Spectrum Disorders, developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses, and social skills deficits. 
Their primary goal is to teach functional and pro-social skills that can be easily generalized to the student’s community and home.
They have a gym with workout equipment, an exterior yard with basketball hoop, library/reading areas, individual rooms, a lunch/cafe, a 'school store' and many other support areas.

http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/ci_32376021/?fbclid=IwAR3hbkZPUzQn7BFcCd7jxV7t2qtyZbAe1shB9PvZ-ux8_by7aDeFWoy2uA8

Deverauxpic
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Cannabis Job Fair Upcoming in Fitchburg

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Cannabis Job Fair Upcoming in Fitchburg
A job fair is planned for individuals interested in applying to work for either an adult-use retail store or a medical marijuana dispensary. The job fair and resume workshop is planned for Wednesday, January 16, at the Fitchburg Public Library, MA, 610 Main St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The job fair is being organized by Central Ave Compassionate Care Inc. a medical marijuana dispensary, and Gage Cannabis Co., which plans to open an adult-use retail cannabis shop. Both are hiring for a variety of positions, from entry level to management, at their locations in Ayer.
The job fair will also feature a workshop for applicants interested in entering the cannabis industry but who need assistance crafting a resume.
“This is an opportunity for us help fill our upcoming staffing needs and provide job opportunities for individuals from a community that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement,” said Mark Hillier, Chief Operating Officer of Central Ave Compassionate Care Inc.
Central Ave., a marijuana cultivator and manufacturer that operates a medical dispensary in Ayer, is seeking:
· Dispensary or sales agents
· Security Associates
· Packaging Personnel
· Cultivation Assistant
Gage Cannabis, which has plans to open as retailer and manufacturer in Ayer, is seeking:
· Sales associates
· Security associates
· Kitchen personnel
· Packaging personnel
All applicants must be 21 and older and willing to undergo a background check. Non-violent marijuana offenses are not disqualifying. Applicants should bring a resume and cover letter, and applications will be available at the job fair.
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cannabisjobfairjan2019