In a recent government meeting, the Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission deliberated on an application for a cannabis dispensary at 504 Bridgeport Avenue, submitted by PVG LLC, operating as Rodeo Cannabis Company. The proposal, identified as application 24-08, seeks to establish a 2,000 square foot retail space for cannabis sales, following the expiration of a moratorium on cannabis sales in Shelton.

The commission's review process was prompted by concerns regarding the potential impact of the dispensary on local traffic and parking, particularly given the site's proximity to other businesses, including a coffee shop and a smoke shop. The applicant initially included a drive-through feature in their proposal, which was later abandoned. Instead, the revised application emphasized that the dispensary would operate similarly to other retail outlets permitted under the existing Planned Development District (PDD) regulations.

Despite the applicant's assertions that the dispensary would not significantly alter the nature of the PDD, the commission expressed skepticism. They highlighted that the anticipated peak traffic generated by the dispensary could exceed 125 vehicle trips per hour, raising safety concerns for customers of existing businesses in the area. The commission noted that the parking configuration at the site, which includes only 30 to 32 available spaces, would likely be inadequate to accommodate the influx of customers.

During public hearings, community members voiced strong opposition to the modification of the PDD to allow the dispensary, citing concerns over traffic congestion and safety. The commission ultimately concluded that the proposed cannabis dispensary would represent a material change to the originally approved PDD, which was designed for different types of retail uses, including a bank and food stores.

The commission's decision reflects their discretionary authority under Shelton zoning regulations, which allows them to deny modifications that would significantly alter the intended use of a development. As the only cannabis dispensary proposed in Shelton, the application has sparked considerable debate about the implications for local traffic and community safety. The commission's final decision on the application remains pending.