PALMER – Kali Cannabis is quickly moving through the town process of opening a retail sale establishment in Palmer.

During the Jan. 5 Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, Administrative Assistant Rebekah Wright explained that the applicant, Kali Cannabis, is requesting a variance from dimensional and density regulations.

The variance request was to allow for the construction of a retaining wall located within the front, side and rear yard setbacks.

Kali Cannabis is looking to demolish the existing single-family residence at 405 Shearer St. and construct a 2,800-square-foot cannabis establishment.

The existing location is zoned for cannabis use.

Jim Valeriani with the Mensing Group shared that he assists companies in the cannabis industry with permitting, licensing with the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) and more.

He noted that a “thorough” review was submitted and approved by the Planning Board for site plan and special permit. “We’ve had some good feedback throughout the process – very well coordinated with the planning office we think and so far, no difficulties,” said Valeriani.

He shared that he has been with the Mensing Group for three years and this is one of the fastest permitting and efforts to receive a license from the CCC that he has witnessed.

Valeriani went on to say that this location serves this type of use “quite well” – especially its visibility on Shearer and Thorndike Street.

“We have maximized the use of this lot,” he said, as it is more of a triangular shape compared to a square or rectangular lot that are “uniform in shape.” He also noted that the lot does slope a “great deal” down from Thorndike to Shearer Street. Therefore, any development on this lot will require a leveling. To do that, a retaining wall system is required.

“These are quite often implemented for any type of development dealing with unbalanced fill,” he said. After sharing visuals of what the wall will look like, he shared, “This is the best layout – we believe – not only for the company, but for the lot and for the town. Without it, we’re going to have a hard time developing this lot. We are seeking the variance for those reasons.” The retaining wall will not obscure anyone’s visibility when driving. A detailed layout of the plan was included in Kali Cannabis’ application.

Because drainage and site infrastructure was already approved by the Planning Board on Dec. 5, 2022, the Zoning Board of Appeals did not have many questions for the applicant.

Zoning Board of Appeals Clerk Ingrid Thompson made a motion to approve the request for a retaining wall. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved by the board.

Kali Cannabis is owned by Suzanne Melanson and Evans Kilnovich.

Melanson, who has eight years of experience in the cannabis industry, said she became involved after her daughter needed a major back surgery and did not want her on opioids. Kilnovich has experience in real estate and other business practices.

The company’s core values include culture and compliance, trust and integrity, quality products, and training and education.

Kali Cannabis is hoping to begin operations in June or July.