BERNARDSTON — Several Bernardston residents expressed their opposition to having recreational marijuana facilities in town during a recent Planning Board public hearing.
The hearing focused on bylaw revisions that would temporarily prohibit recreational marijuana facilities — such as cultivation or testing facilities, product manufacturers or retailers — and regulate wireless telecommunication facilities, both of which residents supported with some questions and comments.
The board explained enacting a moratorium that would be in effect until Dec. 31, 2018, or until bylaw amendments regulating recreational marijuana facilities are adopted, would give the town time to explore its options, address the effects of having such facilities in town and adopt provisions of the zoning bylaw that are consistent with its goals.
Planning Board member Brian Keir relayed Bernardston Police Chief James Palmeri’s support of the moratorium, as did Thursday’s meeting attendees.
“I, for one, don’t want an undesirable element coming around here,” resident David King said.
“We’re going to lose our small community that’s such a great town, with a great elementary school that attracts young families,” resident Greta Shores said of what she believes will happen to the town if recreational marijuana facilities are allowed. “If we lose that, we’ll never get it back.”
Attendees also learned about a proposed bylaw amendment that would regulate wireless telecommunication facilities including towers, antennas and accessory structures that are used to provide cellular telephone service, personal communications services, paging services, radio and television broadcast services, or similar broadcast services.
Planning Board Chairwoman Christina Wysk said because Bernardston is mostly zoned residential, the board decided to allow wireless facilities in all zones with a special permit, though residents were concerned about their appearance.
“I think everyone would be concerned about the aesthetics of where these things are placed,” King said, though he noted people appreciate having cell towers.
King also said he hopes companies will consider using existing towers or buildings before building new ones, a requirement that’s built into the proposed amendment. The amendment would also require companies to minimize adverse visual effects through careful design, siting and vegetative screening, using materials and colors that are compatible with the surrounding environment.
Wysk said before either the moratorium or wireless telecommunication bylaw amendment can be enacted, voters must approve them during either a special or annual town meeting.
Reach Shelby Ashline at: sashline@recorder.com
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