SPRINGFIELD – The recreational marijuana industry continues to grow as the Springfield City Council approved a special permit for a new dispensary during their hearings meeting on Oct. 25.

Attorney Isaac Fleisher spoke on behalf of Primus LLC’s request for the proposed space located at 666 State St. Fleisher explained how the previous restaurant space will be expanded to accommodate for more parking access. “This is a pretty large expansion of the current parking, and it’s accomplished by demolishing the pavilion in the back lot,” said Fleisher. The attorney also revealed that Primus ranked as the best petitioner during their lengthy Request for Proposal (RFP) process with Springfield.

Primus Managers Robert Kelly and Lamont Clemons spoke on behalf of their project. Both Springfield-natives discussed their backgrounds as residents who have proactively supported the community through volunteer endeavors. Kelly has worked as a youth coach, while Clemons shared his role as a former board member of the YMCA.

Kelly detailed how the project accomplished its planning stages as a social equity applicant. “I wanted to enter in the industry to provide an example of an equitable resident who is able to be involved,” said Kelly. He also stressed the importance of the dispensary being a strong representative of minority-owned businesses. “A lot of minorities don’t have the opportunity to raise that type of capital and take a risk,” said Kelly.

Clemons expressed pride in the business’ accomplishment during the RFP process, “We’ve been blessed to build a business here that will really help the community. I am really excited about what we are going to be able to do with a business of this magnitude,” said Clemons. Ward 5 Councilor Malo Brown spoke highly of both Primus leaders and their effort meeting with neighborhood councils, calling Clemons an “upstanding businessman with a lot of integrity.”

As far as the dispensary’s future goes, Clemons shared a goal of having the retail space built by the second quarter of next year, setting tentative hours of operation as 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ultimately, the item was approved for continuation by the City Council.

McDonald’s Drive-Thru

The City Council also discussed the withdrawal of a special permit from the McDonald’s location at 809 Boston Rd. Deputy Director of Planning Philip Dromey explained that the permit would have allowed the location to add a second drive-thru window. When Dromey asked for an update from the location’s representatives, they informed the planning director of their changing plans. “Between McDonald’s and their engineers, they are requesting to withdrawal,” said Dromey.

Ward 8 Councilor Orlando Ramos inquired about why the withdrawal occurred after the item went through several meeting phases. “We don’t necessarily want to interfere with the potential expansion of their business … it’s unfortunate,” said Ramos, who citied the effort the McDonalds has made to clean the property and meet city guidelines.

The item was withdrawn without prejudice by the City Council.

DDM Property

A special permit for a trash hauling service facility by petitioner DDM Property Group, LLC then became a point of discussion. Partner of DDM, Daniel Hannoush, presented tentative plans for the facility located at 1635 Page Blvd., which would include two buildings to store the non-hazardous waste hauling company’s vehicles. “Trucks will be stored indoors. There’s no hazardous waste at all, it’s all sceptic and grease from companies and local businesses,” said Hannoush.

The DDM Partner also revealed that site will include a frac tank for traveling trucks to empty their waste. Hannoush also shared that he has met with a conservation agent to ensure the project was meeting all requirements.

Councilor At-Large Kateri Walsh and Ward 6 Councilor Victor Davila praised Hannoush for his sound business plan. “Thank you for keeping your good business in Springfield,” said Davila.

The council ultimately approved a continuation of the item under the guidelines that DDM follows a set of conditions, including that all trucks should be parked indoors overnight and cannot store hazardous waste.

The City Council meets again on Nov. 4.