Proposed Marblehead Pot Shop Applies For Atlantic Avenue Location

MARBLEHEAD, MA — A formal request to open Marblehead's first recreational marijuana shop has been made to the town.

The owner and operators of the proposed Aro Cannabis sent the town a request to open the shop at 31 Atlantic Avenue.

Before the town enters a Host Community Agreement with the company, the Board of Selectmen has asked for a period of public comment on the proposal from Aro Cannabis. Aro Cannabis owners and representatives have already held a community outreach meeting and a virtual meeting with the Board of Selectmen that was open to the public.

The 30-day comment period is open until May 17. Public feedback and questions can be emailed to Kyle Wiley at wileyk@marblehead.org.

According to the proposal, Aro Cannabis "will become an active member of the community by making monetary contributions and giving back through social and other community service programs.

"We strive to be a good neighbor through continued local collaboration."

The proposal from Chief Executive Officer Mark Schuparra and Chief Operating Officer Dan Lawless proposal said Aro Cannabis will provide two secured parking spots, three dedicated parking spots and has 154 parking spots available within 500 feet. The proposal estimated an average of seven customers requiring parking at peak operating times.

Aron Cannabis said it will have a secured loading and unloading areas and 24-hour security monitoring.

The building is not located within 500 feet of a school, per state regulations.

On-site consumption of marijuana will not be allowed, which will reduce noise and any odor.

"Customers will be required to sign a community compact indicating they understand that the use of our facility is contingent on respect for the surrounding neighborhood," the proposal said. "We will provide robust education about the safe storage, transport and use of marijuana and marijuana products."

Aro Cannabis said the store will produce between 10 and 15 local jobs and between $180,000 and $300,000 in local tax revenue and positive impact to neighboring businesses.

Marblehead voters narrowly approved recreational marijuana in a 2012 ballot question with 51.6 percent of voters approving the referendum. There are two licenses available on the town.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)