Western Front company has put forward a proposal to open a medical marijuana dispensary and marijuana industry training program at Parkway Plaza, which is situated off Webster Street.
Tonight at 6 p.m. on Aug. 9, City Hall will host a public meeting where residents can hear about and discuss this proposal.
According to attorney Tim Flaherty, Western Front is headed by Marvin E. Gilmore Jr., a World War II veteran whose career has focused on helping low-income individuals access profitable business opportunities that would enable them to achieve middle-class status.
The state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) has already designated Western Front as an Economic Empowerment proposal, Flaherty explained. This certification distinguishes it from conventional proposals and accelerates its progression through the state approval process. Chelsea qualifies as a community eligible for Economic Empowerment proposals because of historical inequitable enforcement of marijuana drug laws.
To receive certification, proposals must satisfy three of six criteria, according to Flaherty. Western Front satisfied all six of them.
“This is a very appropriate site we think for this use and complies with zoning in Chelsea,” said Flaherty. “What we will do with the space is we will operate a dispensary on one side and we will operate the other side as a workforce training space. Our business model is to have Chelsea residents and have people previously impacted by the War on Drugs benefitting from this proposal. There are certain types of offenses that disqualify people from being hired by Western Front, but a conviction for possession of marijuana would not prohibit them.”
Currently, the proposal calls for a medical marijuana dispensary, though Flaherty noted that Western Front aspires to transition to recreational operations if adequate financing and approvals materialize. Their immediate focus is pursuing medical licensure.
A workforce training center would be established to provide Chelsea residents with education and qualifications for employment opportunities in the expanding marijuana sector.
Flaherty emphasized that this proposal stands apart because it aims to serve Chelsea residents who have suffered disproportionate harm from past War on Drugs enforcement.
While a Host Community Agreement with the City has not yet been finalized, Flaherty noted that standard conditions typically include a 3 percent impact fee, with an additional 3 percent local sales tax option. Further mitigation measures could be negotiated if the proposal receives approval.
Security measures will include 24/7 video and audio surveillance, steel doors, and an on-site security guard, Flaherty stated.
Following the community meeting, assuming significant opposition does not emerge, the proposal would advance to a full state application. Upon state approval, the application would return to the Chelsea Planning Board for a Special Permit determination.