A marijuana retail operation proposed for Webster Avenue near the Home Depot has moved forward in Chelsea’s approval process.
During Tuesday night’s meeting, the Planning Board gave the green light to a site plan for a 10,000 square foot retail marijuana facility at 121 Webster Ave. operated by The Western Front, LLC.
Before the shop can begin operations, it must still obtain approvals from the state’s Cannabis Control Commission and from local Zoning and Licensing Boards. However, city officials have expressed support for the project, which is applying for a license under a state economic empowerment provision.
According to Timothy Flaherty, attorney for the Western Front team, the economic empowerment provision is designed to advance social and economic justice for minority populations disproportionately affected by marijuana prohibition enforcement.
The Western Front’s board includes several prominent Massachusetts business and community leaders committed to social justice work, with Marvin Gilmore serving as board chair.
Gilmore brings extensive experience in the Boston region. Among his accomplishments are co-founding Unity Bank and Trust, developing significant real estate projects in Boston’s Southwest Corridor, owning the renowned Western Front nightclub in Cambridge, and receiving the Legion of Honor for his service during the World War II invasion of Normandy.
Flaherty noted that economic empowerment applications receive priority consideration from the Cannabis Control Commission.
The 121 Webster Ave. location, according to Flaherty, offers ideal conditions as a standalone building with sufficient parking for a retail marijuana operation.
The facility will receive all marijuana products pre-packaged from a wholesaler and will incorporate extensive security features, including cameras accessible to Chelsea Police and what Flaherty described as an exceptional alarm system.
John DePriest, the City’s planning director, confirmed that Chelsea police officials approved the building’s security arrangements.
The interior design includes provisions for a future workforce development area and a work bar where customers can wait before accessing the retail sales floor.
According to Flaherty, the sales area will be like “a cross between
a jewelry store and a spa,”.
Operating hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with approximately 25 total employees, of whom 8 to 10 will be present at any time.
“The goal is to hire 100 percent Chelsea
residents,” said Flaherty.
All employees will complete Cannabis Control Commission training and certification.
“I’m impressed by the group before us and
their commitment to social justice,” said Council President Damali Vidot.
District 3 City Councillor Joe Perlatonda expressed similar enthusiasm, stating he was impressed with the organization and pleased about their commitment to hiring Chelsea residents.