By Mary Romaniec
Grafton News Reporter–
A proposed medical marijuana distribution and growing facility at Centech Park turned into a lengthy discussion Tuesday night by Selectmen on how to handle the public input process.
Nature’s Remedy is seeking a letter of nonopposition from the board as part of the application process with the state. Selectmen signed a similar letter in November for Sage Cannabis on Worcester Street, which led to an outcry. Selectman Brook Padgett said that that a letter of nonopposition was not legally needed for a facility to set up shop, but it was helpful for the applicant seeking approval with the state.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Town Administrator Tim McInerney said, “We learned a lot from Worcester Street and we don’t want to make the same mistakes.”
The conversation on the proposed facility at Centech Park, near Tufts University, centered on how to include public input.
Selectman Dennis Flynn’s concern was that medical marijuana facilities could eventually be allowed to sell recreational marijuana if a planned ballot question in November passes. Flynn suggested public input at the next meeting, May 3.
Padgett said the process for an open forum public discussion was the solution, and reminded his fellow Selectmen that medical marijuana is legal. “That site up there [Centech Park] has been looking for a tenant for some time,” he said.
Chairman Craig Dauphinais said that other communities were going to sell medical marijuana and that each wanted a “bite of this apple” from tax revenues. Dauphinais added that the facility would possibly need a special permit. The May 9 Town Meeting will include an article for a bylaw revision which stipulates a special permit be added to any medical marijuana facilities to allow for greater public input on future sites.
On Tuesday, Selectmen took cue from the wave of community pushback that occurred when Sage Cannabis proposed a medical marijuana dispensary at 206 Worcester Street.
North Grafton neighbors near the site descended on Selectmen meetings voicing opposition to the location. The pushback came from residents who believe they were left out of the decision-making process. They voiced concern over the lack of public notice, pointing out that it was close to businesses where children congregate, a school bus stop and homes.
Herbicides and pesticides on greenways halted: The use of herbicides and pesticides on the Common and Mill Villages Park, applied by the town’s lawn care contractor, TruGreen, have been temporarily halted until Selectmen have a chance to evaluate what is being applied.
Selectman Bruce Spinney said he was concerned about the toxic nature of some of the chemicals in the compounds. With children traipsing through the grassy areas, Spinney suggested a more thorough review was in order, requesting a list of the compounds used on the Common. On April 8 it was observed that a TruGreen worker was applying a liquid to the grass.
Last week, Town Administrator Tim McInerney told The Grafton News that municipalities throughout the area use TruGreen, saying the compounds used passed EPA standards. He said he believed the town has used the same compounds for the past 15 years without complaint.
As part of the contract with TruGreen, a chemical sheet was provided in advance of the application. Noting the possibility of children playing on the greenway, Spinney and Selectmen suggested representatives from TruGreen be invited to discuss the chemicals used to determine if they are harmful to humans.
TruGreen representative Amy Simpson said, in a written response, a service form of all chemicals to be used was submitted to Phil Johnson of the Grafton Parks Department before they proceeded. However, it appeared Johnson was on vacation at the time and Dave Crouse was left to pick up the warning signs on the lawn within 24 hours of application (the time suggested by TruGreen to remove the signs). According to the statement by TruGreen: “TruGreen practices Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is a process used to keep lawns healthy while reducing the need for herbicide. As part of our IPM strategy, TruGreen works closely with the Department of Public Works to ensure the proper selection and maintenance (mowing, pruning, and irrigation) of city parks and greens. Keeping landscapes healthy reduces susceptibility to disease and reduces the need for herbicide treatment. When herbicide treatment is needed, we only treat the affected plant – only what is needed, only when it’s needed.”
Spinney said there are organic alternatives that should be explored. Selectmen agreed to add this issue as an agenda item for a future meeting. Until then, it was agreed no further applications of TruGreen chemicals will be applied until after discussion on how to proceed.
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