Medical Marijuana Firm Delays Vote By Pawtucket Board

PAWTUCKET, RI — A medical marijuana firm that hopes to build a 2,700 square-foot "compassion center" at 56 India Street did not move forward with a scheduled hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday.

Instead, representatives from New Leaf Compassion Center and 30 India Street LLC were granted an extension, so unless the proponents pull their application, the decision on a dimensional variance and special use permit will be made at a future date, said Douglas McKinnon, chairman of the zoning board.

McKinnon told Patch it's the final extension that will be granted to the company. He said a date has not been set for any new hearing.

The Pawtucket Planning Commission on March 16 recommended against allowing the compassion center, which would be branded as "Fine Fettle Dispensary." The area is zoned as "Industrial Open." However, the proposed dispensary is within 200 feet of a residential zoning district and within 1,000 feet of a public recreation field.

Despite the Planning Board vote, the Zoning Board of Appeals has the final say, McKinnon said.

In addition to local permitting, New Leaf must gain a compassion center license from state cannabis regulators. The Department of Business Regulation plans a lottery to award six new licenses in six zones across Rhode Island. That lottery won't be held until at least August.

New Leaf has secured lease options within four of those six zones. According to documents, they have sewn up lease options at 24 Stafford Court in Cranston; 4115 Mendon Road in Cumberland; 16-24 Central Street in Central Falls; and the India Street property.

New Leaf Compassion Center, Inc. "will only lease one of the above listed properties if selected for a Compassion Center license," CEO Thomas Mirza promised in the company's application with the state.

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The city of Pawtucket requires a special use permit for a medical marijuana dispensary at the proposed location. The applicant must also pass development plan review.

Three Rhode Island compassion centers are already licensed in Providence, Portsmouth, and Warwick.