Enfield approves second Cannabis dispensary in former Starbucks
The town will be getting a second cannabis store in a former restaurant space, bringing a reconfiguration to an empty storefront that officials say will help clean up a neglected site.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted on Thursday to allow Hydra East LLC of Glastonbury to establish a hybrid cannabis retailer at 9 Hazard Ave. that would sell both medical and recreational cannabis. PZC members granted the special permit with a number of conditions but said reuse of the vacant restaurant space would being a much-needed facelift.
The empty property has been vacant for several years and fallen into disrepair, thereby leaving graffiti, litter, and illicit activities, said Assistant Town Planner Matthew Davis. He said the applicants have committed to bringing the site back into compliance with town and state regulations.
This is the second special permit for a cannabis retailer that the PZC has approved this year. In March, the commission unanimously approved a special permit for Verano, a cannabis company with 124 locations in 14 states, to build a dispensary at the former Outback Steakhouse on Elm Street.
Currently, there are 23 cannabis dispensaries throughout the state, with that number expected to triple by 2024.
The 9 Hazard Ave. project will involve redesigning the former 3,070-square-foot restaurant into retail space. The exterior will remain essentially the same with improvements such as painting, removal of graffiti, and screening of roof units. In addition, there will be upgraded landscaping.
Stonefield Engineering of Michigan, on behalf of Canna Zoned MLS, is assisting in the redevelopment of the restaurant space. Representatives said in the application there will be security cameras installed to show the shop's interior and exterior, and a detailed security plan will be submitted with the future site plan approval application.
The application also states the dispensary will meet all required distances from residential properties, school buildings, and public buildings. Cannabis will be stored in an approved vault, to which only authorized employees will have access.
