SAUGUS Check out the NEW ADVOCATE ONLINE: www.advocatenews.net C TE D AT CAT Vol. 25, No.37 -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, September 15, 2023 FOR THE BETTERMENT OF SAUGUS Pot shop hearings Cogliano questions the accuracy of mErC report fi ndings, calls report “unfair” By Mark E. Vogler oard of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano said he doesn’t trust the findings of the town’s Marijuana Establishment Review Committee (MERC) and will press forward with his own investigation to determine which of the seven companies are best suited to operate a retail pot business in Saugus. “I just think the whole process was unfair,” Cogliano told colleagues Wednesday night after the board had completed two nights of hearings totaling close to seven hours reviewing applications from seven companies seeking a Special Permit (S-2) to open commercial pot establishments in town. “I think the worst locations got the best scores,” Cogliano said of the two businesses that the MERC report recommended for S-2 permits. The town’s Marijuana Establishment Review Committee in July recommended just two companies be issued S-2 B permits: � Uma Flowers, LLC with a proposed location at 24 Broadway (Route 1 North) – the site of a former house that was torn down – was the unanimous selection of the seven-member committee, achieving a perfect score of 140 total points, based on an “exceptional” rating by each member in each of the fi ve categories that were considered. � Sanctuary Medicinals, with a proposed location of 181 Broadway (Route 1 South), also received a favorable recommendation to be issued a special permit for zoning by selectmen to locate at the site of the former 99 Restaurant. The business received a total of 118 points out of a possible 140. “I don’t like any part of the process whatsoever,” Cogliano said. “We’re entitled to three licenses at a minimum. Three licenses brings in more money than two,” he said. In an interview after POT SHOP | SEE PAGE 2 HONORED BY THE TOWN: Jack Klecker and Gail Cassarino displayed their 2023 “Person of the Year” Awards last Saturday at the 42nd Annual Saugus Founder’s Day Celebration. Please see inside for stories and more photos. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS....Fabulous corner lot and close to schools. This home is meticulously kept. Perfect for a large or extended family. Featuring 10 Rooms 5 Bedrooms 3 Full baths, inground pool, newer roof (2014) and 1 car attached garage with door opener. Eat in Kitchen with cherry cabinets, walks out to huge 3 season porch with sliders out to the back yard. Open floor plan living room, dining room combo, with gleaming hardwood floors, and brick fireplace. Two bedrooms, an office and a full bath finishes on the first floor. 2nd floor consists of 3 large bedrooms, a full bath and plenty of storage. The LL has a finished family room, bathroom and a summer kitchen that walks out to the fenced back yard with pool, shed, patio and gazebo. Great for entertaining. A pleasure to show. You won’t be disappointed. Offered at $799,000. View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com iht 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 f th y V of this home right on your smartphone. g POT SHOP | SEE PAGE 2 NGELO’S AN FULL SERVICE 1978-2023 Celebrating 45 Years in Business! OIL TRUCK DRIVER WANTED Must be Class A or B CDL/Hazmat /Twic Certified. Email: Info@angelosoil.com or call number below. HEATING OI Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! 24-Hour Burner Service Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS Hours. Mon.-Wed. 6AM - 6PM / Thurs. & Fri. 6AM - 7PM / Sat. 7AM / Sun. 9AM-5PM FLEET DIESEL TRUCK STOP
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