Page 2 DEBATE | FROM Page 1 A Charger Street resident told subcommittee members that everyone deserves to know what’s going on in their neighborhood. “We pay the taxes, we pay your salary,” she said adding, “We deserve to know what’s going on.” Residents who crowded the Council chambers for the meeting wanted notifi cation letters and they wanted them translated into diff erent languages for residents. THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024 The subcommittee voted in favored of certifi ed mail within a 600-foot radius. Kelley also proposed an amendment that would delete a section of the proposed marijuana ordinance that would allow the city council the ability to reduce the 500-foot buff er zone for marijuana establishments. “If we are going to have a bufMid-grade Regular $3.59 2.85 49 31 Over 45 Years of Excellence! Full Service $2.95 Order online at angelosoil.com fer zone, I believe it should be strictly adhered to,” she said adding changes in the buff er requirement would erode public trust and give the impression of favoritism. But Guarino-Sawaya felt the change would take power away from the Council. She asked what would happen if the city had a really good applicant who was 499 feet within the 500-foot buff er. “This takes away the council’s ability to grant a variance,” she said. C’mon Down and Visit Chris & His Associates! Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! MAJOR BRANDS AT DISCOUNT PRICES! Singles * Tins Green Label Sale Buy 2 Cigars, Get One FREE! Starting at $18.95 * Bundles * Boxes Many Types Starting at $49.95 HOURS : OPEN DAIL , MON. - SA Starting at $95.95 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES HOURS: OPEN DAILY, MON. - SAT.., 9, 9 AM - 7 PM / SUN. AM - 7 PM / SUN., 9, 9 AM - 6 PM AM - 6 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! Humidor Special! Model A holds up to 25 cigars incl. ash tray, cigar cutter and leather pocket holder! Special Price! $99.95 WE MAKE HOUSE KEYS! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 Chris 2024 Michelle Kelley Councillor-At-Large The subcommittee voted against that amendment. Kelley also proposed an amendment that would limit the number of marijuana businesses in the city. State law sets 20 percent of the number of a municipality’s liquor licenses as the number of marijuana establishments a community must allow. For Revere, that means fi ve marijuana establishments. “I would like it reduced to two,” said Kelley. “I think that’s plenty.” Subcommittee members feared cutting the number from fi ve to two, as Kelley proposed, would trigger a required ballot question which would cost the city $100,000. City Solicitor Paul Capizzi said in Revere, it must be fi ve marijuana businesses according to state law. Subcommittee members voted against limiting the number below fi ve. Finally, the subcommittee came to actual buffer zones from schools, parks; places where young people congregate. Kelley and Councillor At-Large Robert Haas proposed increasing the buffer zone between marijuana establishments and schools, daycare centers and parks from the 300-foot buff er now on the table. “I’ve had discussions with residents, everyone wants it inAngela Guarino-Sawaya Ward 5 Councillor creased,” said Kelley. “State law calls for 500 feet. I’m asking for 600 feet.” Haas said at the last Council meeting 1,000-foot buff ers were proposed. “But that would wash everything out,” said Haas. No locations exist. Residents attending the meeting, most of whom turned out because of their opposition to bringing the marijuana industry to Revere, wanted as much buff er as possible. “1,000 feet is the size of a whale. The more whales we can put in the city, the better,” said Viviana Catano. Christine Robinson said the buff er numbers count. “Every foot counts for the safety of our neighborhoods and children,” Robinson told the committee. Kelley and Haas also requested that the buff er zones apply to community centers, senior centers and places of worship. Throughout the meeting, Subcommittee Chairman Anthony Zambuto worked to keep the discussion on the amendments and away from the audience’s overall opposition to marijuana. He also repeatedly stressed that the committee’s approval of amendments were only favorable recommendations for the City Council which will continue the discussion on Oct. 28. Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882
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