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Canton commission continues hearing for proposed cannabis retail facility


By John Fitts

Staff Writer


CANTON – On. Feb. 21, the Planning and Zoning Commission is set to resume a public hearing for a proposed retail cannabis facility at 195 Albany Turnpike.

Slap Ash, LLC, which plans to do business as Slap Cannabis, is seeking a special permit and site plan modification for the property from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The building on the site is a former Bank of America branch with frontage on both Canton Valley Circle and Route 44. Primary access would be from Canton Valley Circle and, in its modified plans, the company has proposed allowing the former bank drive through lane as a way to exit the property for those turning right onto Route 44.

Slap Ash is seeking a special permit and site plan modification in the Canton Village Design Village District. The Canton commission held a public hearing and approved adult-use recreational cannabis facility regulations in May of 2022. Slap Ash, LLC, is majority owned by Ashley Vaughn. Her business partner is Amanda Ostrowitz.

In a public hearing that began the evening of Jan. 18, an attorney for the company spoke of the growing cannabis industry, the security plans for the facility and aspects of retail sales - such as multiple identification checks, secure entrance and exit vestibules and the ability to order ahead of time. He also noted that customers do not handle any products ahead of time but rather that the sales workers retrieve the items being purchased in a sales setting similar to a jewelry store.

“We’re really excited to be here tonight. We feel we have a great project to present to you and we think this is a fantastic opportunity for the town of Canton,” said Daniel S. Glissman of MacDermid, Reynolds & Glissman, P.C.

Glissman also talked of changes the company made to its initial application, which included offering additional screening behind the facility, delaying opening time until 10 a.m., the option of adding four additional parking spaces to the 21 that exist today, and a proposal to hire a Canton police officer and only accept pre-orders at the facility for the first two weeks of operation.

Glissman said he has approximately 9 years of experience in the industry and said the facility, by the time it opened, would be past that initial rush of legalized recreational sales that states have experienced. (Adult use recreational cannabis sales in Connecticut started Jan. 10.)

“We anticipate by the time this facility were to get open, if it were approved and ultimately licensed by the Department of Consumer protection, that this would be somewhere between the 30th and 40th store. … “[That] is important for this project as it relates to initial demand and sort of the traffic we can expect at this facility.”

Other members of the application team also spoke to the commission presenting information of traffic conditions, landscaping and more.

The application also touts the 3 percent municipal tax that Canton would receive from sales at the facility. It estimates that would mean $150,000 to $300,000 to the town annually. Funding uses for that money would be limited but streetscape work, education programs, civic engagement services, and mental health and addiction services are some of the approved uses.

Numerous residents spoke at the public hearing, a few in support, but many against. Residents of Canton Valley Circle were particularly vocal in expressing concerns of traffic, and other neighborhood impact.

“I am scared to death of the traffic,” said David Duff, a resident of the street. “Scooters bicycles, wagons. We have a lot of kids in the neighborhood. We have 22 families. I can’t emphasize enough this is residential street. I am against this. ...I think there’s going to be hundreds of cars during the course of couple, three weeks or more and the continuation. I picture cars pulling on to Canton Valley Circle, going around the circle and parking, because there is no parking. That’s been stated over and over and over.”

Other residents raised concerns as well, with some alleging the business would attract a bad element and/or send the wrong message to kids.

Dr. Arnold Goldman also spoke to the impact to the neighborhood, which he said would be unknown until after the approval is given and it's too late but also asserted such a business should not be so visible.

"I also mention in my letter this idea of having this type of business so overt and so open and so visible that our children will see it," he said. "The children in the neighborhood will see it. Those on the school bus from other neighborhoods will see it and they’re going to get the impression that the use of substances to alter the mind is a normal, acceptable thing that everyone should just do. I hear these words – recreational. I think of fishing and volleyball when I think of recreation. … it’s a euphemism. So yeah, I get it, it’s legal but where it’s allowed to be placed. That’s the thing if you ask where In canton could such a thing be - Powder Mill Road, Ramp Road, River Road – in one of the industrial buildings where it’s not so visible. And the customers can find it because they’re going to find it on the internet and learn where that is. This shouldn’t be in a neighborhood where children see it. It shouldn’t be highly visible. It’s an adult activity in my mind, no different than an adult book store or other business of the type that only adults should see."

A few residents who spoke, however, said the business would bring needed revenue to town and fill an empty building in the town’s commercial corridor.

"I’m on the Board of Finance. I’m not speaking for the Board of Finance but I do want to say that one thing the Town of Canton has been trying to do is to really fully develop our route 44 corridor that is our business corridor in town," said Sarah Faulkner. "We try very hard to not have businesses go into neighborhoods. We try to keep them in a business area and 44 is the corridor and you know I’m sorry, but that’s where it is. This [was] a bank. It’s right across the street from a number of businesses in all directions. I would very much like to see that building reused. Given it is a bank building it seems to lend itself pretty well to the idea of having a very secure facility for cannabis and cannabis, whether you like it or not, it is the state law now, it is a legal substance. I think the applicants have a good, sound plan for trying to keep it really well controlled and as quiet as possible."

Faulkner, who did speak in favor of having full access to the business from Route 44 also spoke to the cannabis scene in a neighboring state.

"I did a little research into to how things have been running in Massachusetts and an earlier speaker mentioned that there was a big sort of rush initially when the stores first opened but they quieted down very quickly and right now there are no lines," she said. "There's no rush; there’s no heavy traffic going into the stores in Massachusetts. Part of that is there are more stores and we’ll see more stories coming into Connecticut over time also. So, we might have a little more traffic initially but I really think it’s going to calm down so I tend to think this is not going to be a big impact on 44 or, more importantly, on the neighborhood.”

Resident and businessman Steven Stang, who did not speak that evening but wrote to the commission, said dispensaries he has visited in Massachusetts "were the most sophisticated, highly regulated, clean and professional businesses in the area."

"These are not the old 'head shops' of yesterday," he wrote. "School kids don't wander into them. They are modern and intensely regulated businesses and should be treated as such. Please allow this very reasonable application. The community will be benefitted."

While the applicant’s traffic study contends peak traffic will be very similar to the bank operation, many residents - and some commissioners – challenged those numbers and/or asserted it was hard to predict volumes. Some commission members also had concerns about the applicant’s proposal to lease six employee parking spots from a neighboring business.

Additionally, the commission asked the applicant to get a little more information on some aspects of the application, including asking the state Department of Transportation about the possibility of using only Route 44 to access the business. While Matthew Skelly of Fuss and O’Neill – and some commissioners - did not believe the state would be open to that idea – Glissman said the applicant would be amenable to asking the question, incorporating some other suggestions and getting additional information sought by the commission.

As the next meeting approaches, generally by the previous Friday, residents can visit https://townofcantonct.org/agendas-minutes-meetings to find the agenda, time and location, as well as the meeting packet.





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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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