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Company looks to open retail cannabis facility at 195 Albany Turnpike in Canton



Editor's Note: On Wednesday, Jan. 18, the applicant modified a few details of its submission, reducing proposed hours, adding additional landscaping and offering to use to the former bank drive-through as an exit for customers (right turn only).

Additionally, the Planning and Zoning Commission began its public hearing on the proposal, eventually continuing it to its next meeting on Feb. 21.

Look for an update - in the form of a new story - soon.



By John Fitts

Staff Writer

CANTON - A limited liability corporation with provisional state licenses as an adult use retailer has filed an application for a proposed cannabis retail facility at 195 Albany Turnpike.

The application, from Slap Ash, LLC seeks a special permit and site plan modification for the property - which is a Canton Design Village District - from the Planning and Zoning Commission, which is slated to begin a public hearing on the matter on the evening of Jan. 18.

“The Applicant is committed to developing a best-in-class Cannabis Retailer in Canton in a secure and compliant setting,” attorney Daniel S. Glissman of MacDermid, Reynolds & Glissman, P.C. writes in the application. “The Facility will utilize secure reinforced construction materials and technology, cameras, and remote monitoring, and on-site security personnel. The Facility will include various security and safety equipment and technology, including, but not limited to a secure sally port, or access control vestibules, customer entrance protocols, and redundant security alarms and controls. In addition, all personnel will be trained extensively, and the operation will fully comply with Connecticut regulations and guidelines.”

Glastonbury-based Slap Ash, LLC, is majority owned by Ashley Vaughn. Her business partner is Amanda Ostrowitz.

Vaughn, according to the state business filing is based in Tampa, Florida while Ostrowitz, a Glastonbury native, is listed with a Chicago address.

Ostrowitz is an expert in the industry with extensive experience in cannabis law and regulation, according to the application, and is “excited to bring her significant industry experience to her home state.”

Vaughn is a relate estate professional who brings extensive management level management to the company, according to the application.

The site at 195 Albany is a 3,042 square-foot building with 21 parking spaces. It was formerly a Bank of America location and has frontage on both Route 44 and Canton Valley Circle.

The company’s two provisional licenses, issued by the state Department of Consumer Protection, are good through Oct. 31, 2023, according to documentation in the application.

The application includes a traffic analysis, and approval from the Canton Water Pollution Control Authority and the Farmington Valley Health District, as well as plans for an operational plan, site plan, architectural plan, signage details and landscaping plan.

Canton’s zoning regulations do provide for cannabis facilities – subject to certain conditions in the designated business locations of Design Village Districts under Canton’s form-based code.

In addition to site plan requirements, the town’s special permit criteria, however, does give the commission some discretion in considering such applications. In November, the commission denied an application - from a different party - for a cannabis retail facility at 325 Albany Turnpike, finding it was not complete and did not demonstrate compliance with special permit criteria such suitable location for use, appropriate improvements and suitable transportation conditions. The current application does include much more documentation that the one for 325 Albany Turnpike.

The application for 195 Albany contends that it meets all the criteria in the regulations and provides a point-by-point summary from that perspective.

There has been mixed reaction to the proposal. Of two social media posts on which The Valley Press shared the initial posting of this story, one had nearly 50 likes and love emojis as of Jan. 13, and the other close to 100. Comments were mixed with many supporting the proposal, others objecting and a few tangents about other businesses and issues.

The official meeting packet, released to the town web site Friday, Jan. 13, contained a handful of emails sent in opposition to the proposal - most from Canton Valley Circle residents.

One from David and Janet Lloyd raises several issues to the neighborhood proximity.

"The proximity of the retail 'drug' outlet and the clientele it is intended to serve, seems entirely inappropriate," one point of the letter reads. It also contends there will be a negative effect on property values and calls the state legislature's legalization of recreational marijuana "ill advised" but says in light of the decision, Canton Village plaza would be a better location. The letter asks the commission to deny the application.

Another email, sent in the form of a presentation titled "Preserve and Protect the Canton Valley Circle Neighborhood," was sent in by Jordan Toussaint.

It includes statistics on the neighborhood, the proximity to residential homes, and brings up traffic issues, contending the site has known parking issues and that the business would be the only one in state accessed via a residential road.

The submission also quotes the Economic Development Agency's mission and contends, "How is a dispensary in a residential neighborhood fostering or supporting a better place to live, work, raise a family, conduct business and enjoy a high quality of life?"

In summarizing, Toussaint says the commission will hear from many residents on the evening of the public hearing and raises concerns for neighborhood children.

"This impacts the planning and zoning of our town, as well as the police department, our community, our safety and security as a family neighborhood. Put all of this at risk, so that a company based outside of not only Canton, but outside of Connecticut can bring and sell marijuana to your community?" the submission states.

The application offers a different view on some of those issues. With traffic, for example, a study by Fuss & O'Neill estimates 58 trips (29 entering and 29 exiting) during the afternoon peak hour and 88 (44 entering, 44 exiting), during the Saturday peak hour. The 58 trips is fewer than the former bank use generated, while the Saturday peak is just 8 more, according to the study. The study also states that access and egress for customers would be from Canton Valley Circle, while the existing drive through egress to Route 44 would be for deliveries only.

In another document, the application contends that video surveillance, alarm systems, electronic controls, and numerous other measures will make for a very secure facility.

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.

As of Jan. 17, the commission had received a letter in support of the proposal. Resident and businessman Steven Stang said dispensaries he has visited in Massachusetts "were the most sophisticated, highly regulated, clean and professional businesses in the area."

He said the businesses would likely face challenges due to what he called "excessive regulations" and "unfounded fears."

" 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."


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Valley Happenings

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.

 

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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