WALLINGFORD, CT — A proposed zoning change on the Planning and Zoning Commission's Monday, Nov. 9, agenda would allow up to three cannabis retailers in Wallingford, all in the I-40 industrial zone and each needing a special permit. Separately, the town's economic development specialist told the Economic Development Commission on Nov. 2 that a court had upheld the zoning board's denial of a three-warehouse plan for the Midwood property.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Text Amendment #507-26 sets limits on where the stores could go: at least 1,500 feet from another cannabis retailer, 1,000 feet from any residential zone and from existing schools, and 500 feet from existing places of worship. The stores would need outside lighting and security cameras on the building and in the parking lot, could not show cannabis products through their windows or picture the plant on their signs, and could open no earlier than 9 a.m. and close by 10 p.m.
Economic Development Commission
At its Monday, Nov. 2, meeting, the commission heard from Economic Development Specialist Don Crouch that the Planning and Zoning Commission had denied the Midwood warehouse application, the developers appealed, and the court upheld the denial, according to the minutes. Crouch also listed a federal Economic Development Administration grant application for the John Street bridge and a study of the Route 5 and Merritt intersection.
Members talked about the Wallingford Works for Housing effort, which is focusing on education about housing, including the difference between affordable and subsidized housing. Chair Anthony Bracale reported on a meeting with the mayor about forming a Wallingford Historic Train Station Coalition, and Commissioner Austin McAnneny asked to take another look at data centers, saying they could bring in significant tax revenue without much traffic. The commission's retention committee plans future talks on tax incentives.