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07/16/2023 08:11 AMWESTBROOK
The Westbrook Zoning Commission unanimously voted on June 26 to approve an application to open a cannabis food manufacturing business at 1244 Old Clinton Road.
In April, the Zoning Commission opened a hearing over an application from Emerald Canning Partners LLC and Adams Avenue Asset Management that, if granted, would allow for a business that manufactures edibles and chocolates for the cannabis industry to open. There would not be any retail of the products on site, just the manufacturing of the edibles.
At the public hearing in May, no members of the public said they were outright against the application, but several speakers who live in the vicinity of the proposed business asked that the applicant make the lighting plan on the property as nonintrusive as possible so that the quality of life of people and animals in the area are safe.
The commission kept the public hearing open last month so the applicants can submit further information related to stormwater runoff, landscaping, and dimensions.
With those plans submitted, the commission voted to approve the application after quickly deliberating at its June meeting. One member of the public spoke during the public hearing, who noted how responsive the applicant had been in dealing with resident concerns.
According to the application received by the commission, Adams Avenue Asset Management is the contracted purchaser of the property, with affiliate Emerald Canning Partners LLC intending to operate the proposed business. The application lists a mailing address in Boston for the business.
In a mission statement, the applicants wrote, “Emerald Canning Partners LLC is a family-owned and operated business with a passion for crafting the finest infused edibles available in the market. Our mission is to deliver an unparalleled taste and quality experience, on par with the standards of medicinal marijuana products, for those who seek recreational use. We take pride in the science and attention to detail we apply to the development of our products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and satisfaction for our customers.”
In a statement of use document, the applicants state the property is on 1.5 acres of property located in the industrial zone. The applicants are proposing no changes to the building.
“The proposed use requires 31 parking spaces pursuant to § 7.C.3.1.13. Because the products to be manufactured are for a new market in Connecticut, the facility will not open at full capacity. Although full operation is expected to be 15 to 20 employees, the applicants anticipate that four to six employees will be initially employed.
“Based upon the scale of the initial operation, the applicants anticipate two deliveries entering or exiting the site per week via secured sprinter vans,” the document states.
The business intends to operate on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will have a comprehensive security system on site.