Stratford commission records no objection to settlement that would resolve church’s appeal of nearby dispensary

The Stratford Zoning Commission on June 22 heard from counsel for Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church and the cannabis retailer, and recorded that it had no objection to a settlement the parties proposed to resolve the church’s appeal of a cannabis dispensary approval.

Attorney Joel Green, representing Saint Nicholas, said the church had negotiated a settlement after months of discussion. "A lump sum payment to the church of $80,000, followed by 6 10 thousand dollar donations over 10 years," he said, describing that money would be used for fencing, a robust landscape buffer, site improvements, and charitable purposes. The settlement also includes a restriction that the retailer and operators will not reference the church in marketing or outreach.

Attorney Megan Miles, representing the dispensary’s land-use interests, told the commission the settlement would avoid protracted litigation and noted a court hearing on the matter remained part of the process. Miles said a public hearing before the judge is scheduled in Bridgeport Superior Court (as stated in the meeting transcript).

Commissioners discussed legal implications and the potential for further appeals; a motion that the commission "do not reject" the agreement (i.e., that it had no objection to the parties settling) was moved and seconded and the commission recorded an affirmative vote. Counsel said the commission’s lack of objection would be reported to the court to support withdrawal of the litigation and allow the project to proceed under the commission’s prior approval.