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Skowhegan Planning Board tables decision on medical cannabis cultivation facility at 667 Waterville Rd.
Summary
The Planning Board on Feb. 17, 2026, voted to table a minor site plan review for a medical cannabis cultivation facility at 667 Waterville Rd. after staff noted the Police Chief had not approved security plans; the board asked staff to seek clarification and will revisit the item March 3.
The Skowhegan Planning Board on Feb. 17, 2026, voted to table a minor site plan review for a proposed medical cannabis cultivation facility at 667 Waterville Rd. to the board's March 3 meeting, citing outstanding sign-off from the Police Chief.
Albert Kang, representing the applicant, summarized the site's history and recent changes, saying the operator moved a mobile home onto the property in July 2025 for tenant housing, replaced a septic tank and installed safety features. "We have gone above and beyond what was asked for to be compliant with code," Kang said, pointing to added fire extinguishers, exit signs, a fire department lockbox, multiple cameras and motion-detection lighting.
Fire Chief Ryan Johnston told the board he and the applicant had been working together in recent weeks to address fire-safety concerns. Johnston warned of a potential National Fire Protection Association standard for marijuana facilities that could require sprinkler systems, noting a sprinkler retrofit "is costly" and that an existing operation likely would not be "grandfathered." Johnston said the applicant has addressed several of his concerns but flagged the sprinkler issue as a significant potential requirement.
Chair Steve Conley read from the staff review and noted Finding #18, which states the Police Chief has not approved security and safety design aspects of the development. Attorney Tom Ferris, representing Kang, said he had not seen specific objections from the Police Chief and asked whether the police concerns were simply reiterations of the fire-safety items. Ferris asked for a continuation to coordinate with the Police Chief.
Board members agreed to send a letter to the Police Chief asking for clarification about security requirements and to allow the applicant time to supply any additional information. Anjanette McFarlin moved to table the discussion and decision until the March 3, 2026 meeting; Andrew Thorpe seconded and the motion passed 5-0.
The applicant expressed concern about the timeline for renewing the OCP license, which Kang said expires in "March or April." The board did not take further action on the site plan at the Feb. 17 meeting and will revisit the item after receiving the Police Chief's response and any additional materials from the applicant.
Votes at a glance: The board approved minutes for its Feb. 3 meeting 5-0 earlier in the session. After the cannabis site-plan item, the board adjourned at 6:54 p.m.; the adjournment motion passed 7-0.
