2019-11-04 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes

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,O��10rN O. Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Ms. Adrian made a motion to continue the public hearing for 135, 139 & 149R Howard Street to December 9, 2019 at 8:00 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Arezzo and approved with a 3-0-0 vote. Continued Public Hearing. Site Plan Review 258-262 Main Street. Reading CRE Ventures LLC There was no one present for the Application Mr. Safina read the Applicant has requested the public hearing be continued to December 9, 2019. Ms. Adrian made a motion to continue the public hearing for 258-262 Main Street Reading CRE Ventures LLC to December 9, 2019 ai 8:15 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. D'Arezzo and approved with a 3-0-0 vote. Planning Updates and Other Topics Review of Presentations for November Town Meeting Ms. Mercier provided a review of the presentations for November Town Meeting; and explained the first presentation is Article 13, Definitions on Marijuana and Hemp; she explained that this article will be presented by Town Counsel. Mr. Safina asked about the recent Department of Agriculture rules on hemp products. Ms. Mercier said her understanding on the policy initiative is that hemp products are divided into two categories which authorize what can be sold. She said right now in Town, products from any part of the marijuana plant are not allowed to be sold, including hemp derived products. Separating the definitions of marijuana and hemp will enable them to be regulated in zoning separately. If approved then the Board of Health will have to decide on how to proceed with regulating hemp products. Mr. D'Arezzo asked for further clarification on the zoning amendment. Ms. Mercier replied the definition of marijuana is removed and replaced with the reference to the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 94G definition, which includes the different types of the cannabis plant. The change will align with the State definition and make it easier to adopt any State changes in the future. The definition of hemp will be added which enables the Town to regulate hemp in zoning differently than how marijuana is regulated. Mr. D'Arezzo asked if the Town will have their own definition or If the State Chapter 94G be referenced again. Ms. Mercier responded that the Intent Is to reference Massachusetts General Law Chapter 94G for the definitions. She explained If the article is adopted the current marijuana regulations in zoning do not change. The Town does not have any proposed hemp regulations, which will need to be addressed by the Board of Health. If this is not adopted, all parts of the cannabis plant are prohibited and zoning enforcement will be required on all CBD products. Mr. D'Arezzo asked if the owner of the CBD store was approached to present at Town Meeting. Ms. Mercier replied that she has not contacted the owner about Town Meeting and that the store has made no contact with the Town. She added she will bring this suggestion to Town Counsel. Ms. Adrian asked if Natural Food Exchange should be contacted. Ms. Mercier said there are a number of stores in Town that sell products with CBD. Mr. Safina commented there are stores that claim the products have CBD which are not regulated. Ms. Mercier said she has seen stores selling products regardless of the recent MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) policy statement. She reiterated Town Counsel is presenting the amendment. After a discussion, it was agreed Mr. D'Arezzo will read the report from the Community Planning and Development Commission at Town Meeting. Ms. Mercier presented Article 14, Footnote-One to the Table of Uses. Ms. Mercier said that Footnote-One allows single-family homes to be converted to a two-family by-right as long Page 12