One item at the meeting was the board’s consideration of the final site plan for Route 22 Dispensary LLC, a project that had previously received preliminary approval for converting a gas station and convenience store on Route 22 East into a cannabis dispensary. The applicant’s attorney, Michael Silbert, provided an overview of the project’s progress, confirming that all conditions attached to the preliminary approval, including landscaping requirements and traffic management plans, had been met. The facility’s design includes a second-floor addition, the removal of fuel dispensers, and the resurfacing of the parking lot to accommodate 20 vehicles.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the conditions for issuing a Certificate of Occupancy (CO), a prerequisite for the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) to conduct a security protocol verification site visit. Silbert noted that the CRC requires a CO to be in place before granting a permit to operate, a somewhat atypical requirement. The board agreed to allow the CO to be issued prior to the CRC’s permit, contingent on the completion of the building and the borough’s inspection.

Traffic management was a central concern, particularly during the dispensary’s anticipated grand opening. Silbert proposed, and the board agreed, to employ off-duty police officers to manage traffic for the first two weeks post-opening. This measure aims to prevent congestion along Route 22, a potential issue raised during discussions. The board also discussed the authority to call on law enforcement for traffic management, emphasizing public safety without overstepping jurisdictional boundaries.

Further, Silbert addressed signage concerns, acknowledging a letter from the township of Bridgewater and offering to install signs prohibiting public cannabis consumption, contingent on borough consent. The board clarified that it lacked the authority to approve signage in Bridgewater but expressed willingness to collaborate with local authorities if needed.

This approval marked a step forward for Route 22 Dispensary LLC, pending the CRC’s licensing and compliance with all stipulated conditions.

Beyond the dispensary, the board addressed a long-standing issue concerning parkland on Fairview Avenue. The redevelopment agreement, requiring the developer to construct a park, was stalled due to environmental concerns about the site’s cleanliness. The borough council’s refusal to accept the property until it was confirmed clean led to a resolution to amend the redevelopment agreement. The board voted to adopt modifications to the approval, with a bond to be returned subject to any outstanding payments to the borough.

In addition to these major topics, the board briefly touched on other agenda items. The Architectural Review Board’s discussions were deferred to a future meeting. Ordinances related to fence regulations for corner lots were approved to be sent back to the council for further consideration. The board also addressed amendments to the Somerville Urban Renewal Phase Three project, specifically minor corrections to application numbers and dates, which were accepted and approved.

The meeting concluded with discussions on developing guidelines for electric vehicle (EV) stations in residential areas and parking decks. The board expressed the need for comprehensive research and recommendations on the placement of these stations. An ongoing tree ordinance related to stormwater management was also under review, with the environmental commission expressing interest in presenting their position in a joint meeting with the borough council and planning board to ensure consistent messaging.

The board finalized the proposed meeting dates for the 2025 planning sessions, confirming there were no conflicts and approving the schedule. The acting chairperson acknowledged the challenges faced by the board over the past year, commending the professionalism of its members. The meeting concluded with a note on the location change for the upcoming council reorganization meeting, due to a scheduling conflict at the high school.