The Marijuana Study Group reviews and makes recommendations to the Select Board regarding applications for Host Community Agreements. They review and recommend zoning amendments for marijuana establishments, including those for adult-use marijuana and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, in compliance with M.G.L. Chapter 40A and other state regulations. This group formulates and recommends uniform regulation and licensing requirements relative to recreational and medical marijuana, while protecting the public health, safety, and welfare of the community. The Study Group meets periodically as necessary.

Materials:

• Composite Buffer Map for Marijuana Uses
• Arlington Zoning Bylaw

History of reports and recommendations

Materials Reviewed by the Marijuana Study Committee
In October, 2018, the Marijuana Study Committee received and reviewed the following items:

• A background memo on the research that was completed to prepare the initial zoning amendments,
• The initial zoning amendments as drafted by Department of Planning and Community Development staff dated October 2, 2018, and 
• Mapping analysis of a 500-foot and 300-foot buffer around public and private schools serving kindergarten and grades one through twelve.

At the October 17th meeting, the Marijuana Study Committee was primarily focused on the various buffers around specific land uses. The Study Committee received and reviewed the following items:

• Revised zoning amendments dated October 15, 2018, and 
• Composite mapping analysis of various buffers under consideration by the Study Committee dated October 16, 2018.

Recommendation of the Marijuana Study Committee
At its October 17th meeting, the Marijuana Study Committee voted to recommend certain zoning amendments for adult-use and medical marijuana establishments to the Arlington Redevelopment Board. The recommended amendments included a 500-foot around public and private schools serving kindergarten and grades one through twelve, a 200-foot buffer around the public libraries, and a 300-foot buffer around Town-owned playgrounds and recreational facilities.
Recommended zoning amendments dated October 17, 2018
Composite mapping analysis of buffer areas and detailed analysis around libraries

ARB Public Hearings on Zoning Amendments
Members of the Marijuana Study Committee provided testimony to the Arlington Redevelopment Board during its public hearings on November 5 and November 7, 2018.
View the presentation made at the ARB Hearing on November 5
Watch the November 5th hearing via ACMi
Watch the November 7th hearing via ACMi

Marijuana Study Committee Members

The following individuals are the members of the Marijuana Study Group:

• Sandy Pooler, Town Manager
• Kin Lau, Arlington Redevelopment Board
• Jenny Raitt, Planning and Community Development, Director
• Lenard Diggins, Select Board
• Michael Ciampa, Inspectional Services, Interim Director
• Christine Bongiorno, Health & Human Services, Director
• Julie Flaherty, Police Chief
• Doug Heim, Town Counsel
• Sarah Augood, Town Manager Appointee
• Paul Czech, Town Manager Appointee
• Jordan Weinstein, Town Manager Appointee

Any questions may be directed to Claire Ricker, Director of Planning and Community Development, at 781-316-3090 or cricker@town.arlington.ma.us.