Mass Cannabis Growers Cooperative seeks special permit for cultivation facility at 1 Cabot Street

The Holyoke Ordinance Committee convened on June 5, 2025, for a public hearing regarding a special permit application from Mass Cannabis Growers Cooperative LLC to establish a marijuana cultivation facility at 1 Cabot Street. The meeting welcomed representatives Ezra Parzybock and Brandon Gates, who presented the cooperative's plans.

Parzybock, a consultant for the cannabis industry, explained that the cooperative aims to take over operations from Milltown Agriculture, the first cannabis cultivation facility in Holyoke, which had to downsize. The cooperative will utilize a previously permitted area without making any changes to the site’s exterior or interior. The only modification involves closing off a doorway that led to an additional area not included in the new lease.

The cooperative consists of approximately 15 members organized into five teams, with two to three individuals operating the facility at any given time. Parzybock emphasized that the cooperative's operations would not alter the previously approved use of the space, which is strictly for indoor cultivation without any extraction processes.

During the discussion, it was noted that the planning board had sent a letter on May 28, indicating that the application should be treated as a new submission despite the continuity of operations. This prompted questions from committee members about the operational flow and structure of the cooperative compared to Milltown Agriculture. Gates clarified that the cooperative's model allows for more autonomy among its members, contrasting with the corporate structure of the previous operator.

The committee members expressed interest in the cooperative's approach, which aims to support smaller business owners in the cannabis industry by pooling resources and sharing operational responsibilities. The cooperative handles all aspects of testing, sales, and compliance, while individual members focus on cultivation.

As the public hearing concluded, the committee opened the floor for further questions, indicating ongoing interest in the cooperative's plans and the implications for local cannabis operations. The next steps will involve reviewing the planning board's letter and determining the path forward for the special permit application.