MIDDLETOWN — The zoning application for a special exception to open a controversial cannabis dispensary at the rear of an historic building on Main Street has been withdrawn.
The retail outlet, at 428 Main St., would have occupied 4,600 square feet of the 11,500-square-foot building that originally housed the F.W. Woolworth Co. The entrance was proposed for the rear of the building at 7 Melilli Plaza
Onetime state Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner and Wallingford attorney Gerald Farrell Jr., who led the office during the state’s efforts to legalize recreational cannabis, had intended to lease the space. He is also a former principal at CT Pharma.
Wallingford developer Dominick DeMartino, of DFC of Main Street 428 LLC, filed the original application in March. He is investing millions in rehabilitating several historic structures downtown for apartments, retail, a restaurant and other uses.
Over the course of months, the matter was hotly debated at Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, with business owners, residents and others providing positive feedback, and growing criticism.
In March, some business owners were concerned it could “forever alter the family friendly vibe,” while others supported the idea, saying it had the potential to diversify retail establishments on Main Street.
By April, residents and now Common Council President Jeanette Blackwell had researched the redevelopment project, namely $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded to DeMartino, who owns the structure, to rehabilitate several buildings on Main Street.
The federal grant was also dispensed for 418, 420 and 584 Main St. projects.
The application for 428 had originally proposed a small market in that first-floor space, which many took issue with at subsequent hearings, pointing to the North End of Middletown being a food desert.
After expressing myriad concerns, the Common Council unanimously voted on April 9 to send the matter to the ARPA committee for discussion and a vote.
In May, the panel declined to vote on the matter.
Later that month, the public hearing was continued to May 28, however, it was rescheduled for June 25.
On behalf of the developer, Updike, Kelly & Spellacy attorney Jesse Langer on June 19 asked Land Use Director Marek Kozikowski to again postpone the hearing to the July 23 meeting, which was denied.
Kozikowski said in an email Langer had “used up” all his extensions.
Efforts to reach DeMartino and Farrell for comment were unsuccessful. Langer declined to comment.