The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) has decided to extend a previously expired moratorium on applications for cannabis dispensaries at a meeting on Oct. 3, a period which will now run through Dec. 31.

The Commission had initially implemented a text amendment for a moratorium on all applications for dispensaries selling either recreational or medical, as well as hybrid facilities for both products. The first amendment went into effect on Dec. 6, 2021 and expired on June 6.

The members of PZC had used the time of the moratorium as an information-gathering period, according to Land Use Attorney Jennifer Coppola, who said nothing definitive has been implemented. During the first moratorium period, PZC members reviewed copies of all regulations and ordinances prescribed by the state concerning marijuana, and received input from multiple parties on the issue, including the East Haven Police Chief Ed Lennon and representatives from the cannabis industry. Ray Pantalena, owner and dispensary pharmacist of Affinity Health and Wellness, a medical marijuana dispensary in New Haven, also spoke to the Commission on the details of running a cannabis business, according to Coppola.

“Towns are all doing different things. Not everybody is having people come in and speak, which is a good thing to do when you’re trying to familiarize yourself with something new,” Coppola said. “I think it’s been a thoughtful process”

According to Coppola, the Commission is looking specifically at Foxon and Frontage roads as likely locations for dispensaries. Meeting minutes from Oct. 3 meeting show that member Louis Fusco favored the opening of two recreational dispensaries, but favored putting aside considerations for other facilities. Fusco said the two hypothetical recreational facilities could be placed near Foxon Road and along Frontage Road. Member Marlene Asid agreed with Fusco, but suggested that a hybrid facility could be considered at one of the two potential roads.

Member William DeMayo expressed his concerns on the issue, saying that while he is comfortable with the opening of two recreational facilities, he also suggested the Commission move cautiously on their decisions and look primarily to business, expressing his unfavorable opinion on expanded uses such as cultivation.

According to Coppola, the Commission is principally focused on laws and regulations governing the sales of cannabis and their retailers and their security components. They are not currently not considering any laws specific to marijuana cultivation.

Member John Tarducci also expressed concerns, opining that retail sales of recreational marijuana would not be a significant generator of revenue, and that other local business in town would not benefit from any visiting customers to a dispensary.

When considering the specifics on zoning, Fusco said that distance requirements relative to residential areas and commercial businesses should be similar to those regulating liquor stores, proposing 500 feet as the appropriate measurement. While DeMayo agreed with this Fusco’s opinion, he pointed out the possible difficulties and contradictions regarding that form of zoning, partly because of the proximity of residents to other businesses in town.

Asid emphasized to the Commission that time was running out for them and their staff to starting drafting the legal language for the text amendment with the approaching expiration of the second moratorium period.

“The Commission is working on the regulations and will be implementing them quickly,” said Coppola. “It’s anticipated they’ll move forward with directing staff to submit a text amendment application. There will be a public hearing on it so the public will get to comment on the amendment, and then they’ll take action.”

The Commission was expected to conduct a special meeting with Town Council on Oct. 25, after press time.