Tailored for Success’s Boots2Suits event honors veterans – see page 11 Vol. 28, No. 50 -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Kappy’s team presents plan for Route 1 marijuana shop By Barbara Taormina S tandard Naturals’ proposal for a retail marijuana dispensary on Route 1 next to Kappy’s was introduced to residents last week at a community outreach meeting that was quieter and less contentious than two earlier presentations of marijuana businesses pursuing a license to open in Malden. The Standard Naturals team focused on the location, building plan, security system, personnel and community impac t of the proposed business. Despite the company’s detailed plan that refl ects a commitment to be a good and responsible neighbor, there were still questions and comments that show some residents have real reservations about the retail cannabis industry. Scott Moore, Joe Selby and Steve Selby, who are all owners of Kappy’s chain of liquor stores, will be equal co-owners of Standard Naturals. They plan to build a new 3,000-square-foot facility fi tted with state-of-the-art security and surveillance systems that will monitor “every inch” of the property and track inventory, customers and sales. Customers will be able to get to Standard Naturals via Linehurst Road, but the main entrance will be one Route 1. The business expects to hire 30 employees, and preference will be given to residents of Malden as well as residents of Chelsea, Revere and Lynn, which are three communities that the state Cannabis Control Commission has determined have been disproportionately hurt by arrests and incarcerations under previous marijuana laws. The state requires residents of those impacted areas to receive preference for economic opportunities in the new cannabis industry. “Employees will be given extensive training in the cannabis industry from seed to sale,” Moore told the audience that turned out for the meeting at Linden STEAM Academy. Mike Dundas, a consultant for Standard Naturals and CEO of Sira Naturals, a Milford-based cannabis cultivation and manufacturing company, said employees will be trained to spot signs of misuse and addictive behaviors. To prevent products from falling into the hands of minors, employees will also be watching for frequent customers who buy signifi cant amounts of marijuana. “If we see that type of activity it would be a red fl ag,” said Dundas, adding that it could trigger an investigation. As for community benefits, employees will be encouraged to volunteer with local nonprofit groups, and Standard Naturals will pay the city a three percent community impact fee and make an annual $25,000 contribution to a local charity. While other license applicants have similar plans for security, employment, education and community involvement, Standard Naturals stands out because of its location on the highway on the edge of the city near the border of Revere. “It’s by far the best location,” said Moore. “It’s not near any residential properties, schools or churches; I just don’t see a better location.” One of the repeated complaints at the meetings for Mass Medicum and their proposal for 616 Broadway and Misty Mountain Shop, which is pursuing a license for a site at 323 Commercial St., is the proximity of proposed facilities to residential properties. Residents have also complained about the lack of information and notifi cation of meetings. Former Ward 6 Councillor Neil Kinnon asked why more wasn’t done to advertise the Standard Naturals meeting. Moore said abutters were notifi ed and the meeting was advertised in The Advocate, which was what was required. Citing the minimum requirements for community outreach is an explanation that seems to be wearing thin with neighbors of proposed retail shops. Kinnon also pointed to studies that have determined that marijuana has serious long-term effects on the cognitive development of adolescents. “CannaSHOP | SEE PAGE 17 Published Every Friday 617-387-2200 Friday, December 13, 2019 Stella mural adds new linkStella mural adds new link to ARTLine to ARTLine CENTERPIECE: Mayor Gary Christenson and ArtLine Board member Naomi Kahn help artist Frank Stella cut the ribbon to his new mural at Malden High School recently. Stella’s mural will be on display on the Malden High School wall that faces Center Street and the Northern Strand Community Trail. See page 2 for full coverage. BoL to Host ChristmasBoL to Host Christmas Dinner Dec. 25 Dinner Dec. 25 CHRISTMAS DINNER: Guests receiving their meals during last year’s Christmas Dinner hosted by Bread of Life. See story on page 3. (Courtesy Photo) Reminders for a safe holiday season By Barbara Taormina around this time. “I cannot remember a Christmas LT. Kevin Halpin couldn’t recall any Christmases past when a fi re broke out and destroyed the holiday season for any local families, and he and the rest of the Malden Fire Department would like to keep it that way. Halpin said it’s always good for residents to be aware of fi re prevention and safety tips that local fi re departments and the state Fire Marshall’s offi ce off er every year tree fi re or a large-scale fi re,” said Halpin, adding that there have been calls for smaller incidents over recent years. Still, Christmas tree hazards are at the top of most lists of holiday safety reminders. According to the Quincy-based National Association of Fire Protection, each year there are about 160 home fi res that begin with a burning Christmas tree. Staying safe begins with the tree, and it’s important to buy one that’s as fresh as possible. Even if you’ve found the perfect tree, it’s important to test it by grabbing some of the upper branches to make sure the needles don’t fall off , a sign that the tree is already dry. Before bringing it home and fi ghting with your tree stand to make sure it’s standing up straight, HOLIDAY | SEE PAGE 18
2 Publizr Home