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Canton Commission to hear opinions on idea of temporarily banning Cannabis Establishments

Hearing also slated for proposed softball field

By John Fitts

Staff Writer


CANTON – On Wednesday evening, Aug. 18, the Canton Planning and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on a possible temporary moratorium for recreational cannabis establishments, as well as the planned additional softball field on the Canton Middle/High School campus.

The proposed cannabis moratorium, which would typically be for 12 months, is designed to give the town some time to consider the full ramifications of the state’s Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-use Cannabis law.

The idea for a potential “temporary and limited moratorium on Cannabis Establishments,” comes for the town attorney, said Neil S. Pade, director of Planning and Community Development. Pade noted the idea is “just to allow for time for this commission to consider whether it wishes to prohibit or regulate recreational cannabis establishments.”

The Capital Region Council of Governments has also provided guidance for the commission, modeled after work done by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, should it want to go with the moratorium.

“The commission is holding a hearing in order to get input from the public on whether or not a temporary moratorium is necessary, to get greater input on how the public feels about this new use, if it should be allowed in town, whether or not it should be regulated, and, if so, to what extent,” Pade added.

The state, for example, notes that the town could restrict aspects such as hours, signage and proximity to establishments such as churches and schools.

The state is looking to get retail operations in place by the second half of 2022 and some of the taxes from sales would benefit municipalities directly.

Under the new state law, the town could initially allow one recreational dispensary and one growing operation. (Facilities would also need a state license and approval).

The moratorium would not affect medicinal marijuana facilities. Canton has approved the use of a medical dispensary and has even approved two such proposals that have not as of yet come to fruition. Canton also has provisions for medial growing facilities by special permit in some areas.

Additionally, a second public hearing Wednesday is slated for a proposed new softball field with dugouts, batting cages and a press box at 76 Simonds Ave. in a wooded area between the roadway and the existing Canton High School softball field. The town, in part, wants to develop the field in anticipation that, if approved later this year, a new Collinsville Fire Station - designed to replace the existing one on River Road - would displace the softball field on Dyer Avenue.

As reported previously in The Valley Press, the Board of Finance last fall, approved taking $169,295 from the town’s reserves for the field to supplement at $128,205 Small Town Economic Assistance Grant the town received from the state of Connecticut for the field.

The two hearings are just part of a busy night for the commission, which, among other matters, is also slated to further discuss proposed text amendments for the Industrial Heritage Zone that covers the 19-acre Collins Co. complex, which developer Sheldon Stein of Ranger Properties is planning to propose a mixed-use development (See Aug. 6 story at https://view.publitas.com/p222-6222/val_080621_p/page/10-11)

The hybrid meting takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 at Room F in Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave. For information on how to tune in remotely, click here.

Citizens can speak during the hearing or send input to npade@townofcantonct.org by 2 p.m. Wednesday.

A full meeting packet can be found here.






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Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

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. 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 in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). 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.

 

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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

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Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

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‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

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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

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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

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Used book sale

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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.

 

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

 

Artist demonstration

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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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