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House of Diesel applicants press city after two-year delay; council tables HCA, seeks state response
Summary
Founder Shemar James and partners said their Host Community Agreement application has been stalled for more than two years. Committee members heard that the city solicitor and planning staff have outstanding steps tied to a state Cannabis Control Commission review; the committee voted to table the matter and request state and mayoral action.
Members of the New Bedford City Council Committee on Appointments and Briefings on Sept. 16 heard more than an hour of testimony from Shemar James and partners seeking a Host Community Agreement (HCA) for a proposed co‑located adult‑use marijuana product manufacturing site at 301 Herman Melville Blvd. and voted to table the item while asking for a written response from the state enforcement investigator and for the mayor to re‑open the city screening committee.
The applicants said they submitted materials more than two years ago and are accruing occupancy costs while they wait. "We're spending, you know, $2,000 a month to just hold the space," Shemar James told the committee. "So it's getting taxing." Connie Souza, a part owner, said the group has done what the city asked and now seeks a decision: "We come here today to ask you, the this body here, to vote, to issue an HCA to us."
Why it matters: HCAs are the local agreements required…
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