Zoning commission approves hybrid cannabis shop at 7365 Main Street with conditions and hours requested by applicant

The Stratford Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a special-case application to establish a hybrid cannabis dispensary at 7365 Main Street in the Arnold Shopping Plaza, adopting planning staff conditions but accepting the applicant's requested hours.

Attorney Barry Knott presented the application and a packet of exhibits that included a site plan, a security and operations plan (secure vault, alarms, staff procedures), an odor-remediation plan, and a traffic analysis. Knott said state regulations require secure vaults and inventory controls and that the proposed retail use is permitted in the LBB zoning district subject to special-case approval. The applicant described the retail area as about 3,210 square feet, said most sales are pre-ordered with quick in-and-out pickup, and proposed staffing of roughly 10'15 full-time employees.

Several nearby clinicians spoke in opposition, citing concerns about the location near medical practices and pediatric dentistry and "optics" for families. Optometrist Dr. Kirk Tishey and pediatric dentist Dr. Sarah Isaac Garcia said patient families and staff sometimes bring children to nearby offices and worried the dispensary could deter visits. The applicant and a pharmacist with industry experience (Nick Tamberrino) responded that retail dispensaries receive prepackaged, sealed products, that state rules prohibit on-site consumption, and that odor and security controls reduce the risks opponents raised.

After discussing a standard town approach to hours for cannabis retailers, commissioners agreed to adopt Jay Hebanski's recommended conditions (security, odor remediation, compliance with zoning requirements) but to grant the applicant's proposed hours of operation (Monday'Saturday 9AM'8PM; Sunday 9AM'4PM). The motion to approve passed unanimously. The commission attached a condition that deed and operational plans comply with the town attorney and planning staff recommendations.