Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, DECEmbEr 15, 2023 A consensus-challenged board Selectmen offer mixed reaction on the outcome of the votes to permit just one retail marijuana establishment By Mark E. Vogler E ach of the four members of the Board of Selectmen who voted Tuesday night (Dec. 12) on the applications of seven businesses seeking special permits to operate a marijuana dispensary under the town’s zoning bylaws supported at least two of the candidates. The board could have issued up to three S-2 permits – one more than what was recommended by the seven-member Marijuana Establishment Review Committee (MERC). But selectmen could only agree on issuing one permit. With Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Jeffrey Cicolini removing himself from the hearings earlier this year, any permit would require the unanimous approval of the remaining selectmen – making consensus a difficult barrier to overcome. Here’s what selectmen had to say after Tuesday night’s vote, when The Saugus Advocate sought their reaction: Board of Selectmen Chair Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 DONATION | FROM PAGE 2 port. Support from the Angel Fund has been enormously important in our efforts to develop innovative ALS therapies,” Dr. Brown said. The announcement was made by the organization’s president, Rich Kennedy. Kennedy and his family have been impacted by ALS. His father, Chris, and brothers, Jimmy and Jake, died from the disease. In 2016, at the age of 56, Kennedy was diagnosed with ALS. “The Angel Fund remains deeply committed to supporting Dr. Brown and the UMass Chan ALS research team,” Kennedy said on behalf of the Board of Directors and Advisory Board members, most of whom were on hand for the announcement. “The hard work undertaken by the researchers on a daily basis is making significant progress and gives us genuine hope that we’re moving closer to an effective treatment and ultimately a cure for ALS. The Angel Fund for ALS Research is proud to say that of funds expended, more than 90 percent is given to research.” For more information about The Angel Fund for ALS Research go to www.theangelfund.org or call 781-245-7070. Debra Panetta: “The Board of Selectmen’s responsibility was to grant an S-2 permit (special permit) based on the best location, where we must consider traffic flow, neighborhood impact, access/egress, proximity to schools, circulation flows, parking and queuing, etc., as required by our zoning bylaws. “Once the Board issues the special permit, it’s the Town Manager’s responsibility to enter into the host community agreement. Then it’s up to the state, the Cannabis Control Commission, to issue the license. “Both Sanctuary Medicinals and Uma Flowers received the highest scores on location by the Town of Saugus Marijuana Establishment Review Committee. As a Selectman, I have trusted the recommendations of our Police Chief, Fire Chief, Public Health Director, and Building Inspector, where these four individuals were members of this committee. “I welcome Sanctuary Medicinals to Saugus, and I wish them the best of luck.” Selectman Anthony Cogliano: “It’s Christmas season… I will attempt to be nice....although that meeting was staged and rehearsed with the TM (Town Manager). “It would’ve been nice to get the answers I demanded for months to my questions. Best of luck to Sanctuary Medicinals. It’s unfortunate that the best applicant, Triple M, was not granted an S-2 permit. “I’m quite sure we haven’t heard the last of it from the applicants. “Mike Serino spent 15 minutes explaining why we shouldn’t have dispensaries in Saugus, then voted for two of them.” Cogliano then went on to rate his top choices in order: “1st, Triple M; 2nd, Sanctuary Medicinals; 3rd, Bostica, because I feel that a growth facility is the most important key to a successful business plan. Although Bostica is new to the game, their grow facility is by far the best amongst the applicants. The best location was the Avalon Motel (Northeastcann), because it would eliminate that public safety nightmare and replace it with a first class facility. The owner of that establishment also pledged to build all new playgrounds at Oaklandvale, Stackpole field, Anna Parka, Waybright, LynnHurst and Golden Hills....wouldn’t that have been a welcome addition to the town. Allen Rothenberger, another great business mind, was slated to go into the AutoExcellence building (Olde World RemCONSENSUS | SEE PAGE 5
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