CONWAY — Town officials are seeking public input on several bylaw changes addressing commercial development and marijuana facilities ahead of this year’s annual town meeting.
A public hearing will be held Thursday, March 29, at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall to discuss two proposed changes. The first “addresses the construction, permitting, and operational requirements for large scale commercial and industrial facilities,” according to a statement from Mary McClintock, Planning Board chairwoman.
The proposed bylaw is intended to protect the welfare of local residents by regulating noise and other disturbances caused by operations at commercial or industrial facilities. The bylaw includes sections relating to roads, water quality, noise and other concerns.
A second amendment up for vote at town meeting in May that will also be discussed on Thursday would extend an existing temporary stay on recreational marijuana establishments from Dec. 31, 2018 until June 30, 2019.
“The purpose of the extension of the temporary moratorium is to allow the town time to review the state regulations and develop local regulations if necessary,” the statement says. Massachusetts voters decided to allow recreational marijuana use in 2016. Over the last year, the state’s Cannabis Commission has hammered out the details for laws surrounding marijuana use, which are expected to take effect this summer.
“The Planning Board is seeking input on these two proposed bylaws. We encourage everyone to come to the public hearing with their questions and concerns,” McClintock said.
To inspect the bylaws remotely, visit www.townofconway.com, or email the Planning Board, at planningboard@townofconway.com. Both proposed changes will be voted on by Conway residents at the 2018 town meeting, which is scheduled May 14.
You can reach Andy Castillo
at: acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263
On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo