By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Northborough – Based on discussions from the selectmen’s meeting from Oct. 16, Town Administrator John Coderre communicated with the Planning Board, the town planner and town counsel the selectmen’s wishes to opt out of marijuana in all of its forms: medical, recreational and related paraphernalia.
Coderre presented two draft bylaws for Town Meeting to the selectmen Nov. 6 to potentially consider in April that town counsel believes will achieve the board’s policy direction. The bylaws are written with similar language and cover general as well as zoning purposes.
Coderre explained that the bylaws are consistent with where the Cannabis Control Commission is now. They are getting a lot of questions as they establish themselves.
“We are not the only community that is going through this,” Selectman William Pantazis pointed out. There are about 101 communities who have moratoriums in place.
“Are moratoriums are being respected?” Selectman Leslie Rutan asked. Coderre assured her that the Attorney General’s Office is behind the moratoriums. They may be challenged but Coderre is confident that the attorney general will uphold them.
“We are in a holding pattern and this is the best information we have at this point,” said Coderre, who also shared that the draft bylaws are placeholders for the April Town Warrant, barring any changes, that he is currently working on. The board agreed with this approach.
Town Planner Kathy Joubert reported that the Planning Board is in agreement with the selectmen and will further discuss this issue at their meeting Wednesday, Nov. 15. The meeting will be open to the public.