Planning Board grants special‑use permit for cannabis dispensary at 217 South Plank Road with licensing and plan conditions

The Planning Board voted Aug. 15 to approve a site plan and special‑use permit for a cannabis dispensary at 217 South Plank Road, contingent on conditions that tie local approval to the applicant's state license and the construction as shown on the approved plans.

Joseph Minuta, representing the applicant, described the project as "simply a reuse of an existing retail space," and said the owner agreed to lower and reconfigure a freestanding sign to comply with local height limits. Pat Hines said DOT reviewed the project and advised no further action is required by DOT "as long as there's no work to be performed in the right‑of‑way." With no public comments, the board moved to close the hearing and considered final conditions.

Planning Board Attorney Dominic Cordisco told members the special permit will "only [be] valid as long as the certificate for licensure for selling cannabis‑related products is maintained in full force and effect. If that is ever revoked or expires ... this particular special use permit would also expire and would track and follow that as well." He also noted that any deviations from the approved plans would require an amended approval and that a change in ownership must return to the board for approval to transfer the special use.

Board members voted unanimously to approve the site plan and special‑use permit with the stated conditions. The applicant must continue coordinating with the Building and Code Compliance offices on signage, building permits, and any work that could affect the state highway right‑of‑way.