Shelton leaders hope to halt the proposed cannabis dispensary at Crown Point Center

Top Shelton officials expressed strong opposition on Wednesday to what would be the city’s first and only cannabis dispensary. “We don’t want this here,” stated Board of Aldermen President John Anglace Jr., emphasizing that an ordinance had been passed to prohibit such establishments.

Ordinance and Legal Challenges

In April, the Board of Aldermen unanimously adopted an ordinance banning all types of cannabis establishments, a move fully supported by Mayor Mark Lauretti. Despite this, Rodeo Cannabis’ application, filed before the ban, could still be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Rodeo Cannabis Application

Rodeo Cannabis, represented by co-founder and CEO Arthur Linares, seeks to open a 2,000-square-foot dispensary in a former bank location at Crown Point Center. Attorney Dominick Thomas argued that the proposed dispensary is a retail use, which is allowed in the development.

Concerns and Modifications

Commissioners raised concerns about parking and customer capacity. Rodeo Cannabis adjusted their plans, removing the use of the old bank drive-thru for cannabis dispensing and instead proposing it for employee parking.

Public and Official Opposition

Aldermen Cris Balamaci, Anthony Simonetti, and Eric McPherson voiced opposition, citing negative impacts of cannabis and potential crime increases. Residents also shared concerns during the public hearing.

Future Discussions

The Planning and Zoning Commission closed the hearing, with Chair Virginia Harger indicating further discussion in a future meeting. The aldermen’s ordinance followed a previous commission deadlock, allowing applications from April 1. Hours after the moratorium ended, Linares filed the application for the dispensary.