New Britain zoning board approves controversial cannabis warehouse

NEW BRITAIN — Despite neighborhood opposition, the zoning board of appeals approved Tuesday the construction of a cannabis warehouse on Slater Road at the site of an old Webster Bank training facility.

Led by Rocky Hill-based CCC Construction, the project consists of a 133,000-square-foot cannabis cultivation and distribution center within a mile of multiple schools.

Opponents of the plan cited the proximity to schools as well as the risk of potential smell as reasons the facility should not be approved. Proponents, including city Treasurer Danny Salerno, saw the facility as a good repurposing of an abandoned building that was no more controversial than liquor stores.

"If you want to make comparisons, alcohol is more accessible," Salerno said. "It's available to people — it is everywhere."

New Britain Director of Planning and Development Jack Benjamin also cited potential benefits to the tax base following the opening of the center.

"As we're looking at the grand list, one of the ways that we can really mitigate impact on increased personal and real property taxes in the future is by expanding commercial tax base, which this is certain to do," Benjamin said. "It will improve a building that otherwise probably was going to sit blighted and vacant."

The board additionally voted for CCC Construction to install odor control following public concern, a move Salerno also supported.

"I don't see where there's going to be any issues about any forms of smells," Salerno said. "At this point, I'm sure it's going to be very much contained. If it isn't, that it has to be addressed."

What's the next step for developers before construction can start? Benjamin said breaking ground is still a ways down the line.

"They do have to go through all the proper city channels," Benjamin said. "They're gonna have to submit site plans. They are gonna have to submit building plans, go for their zoning permit, get all the electrical, mechanical, individual permits they're gonna need from the building department."

Despite some public opposition, he believes the approval is a good thing for the city.

"It is aiming to bring nearly 130 jobs to the city with a median salary of somewhere around $50,000 a year, which is really a positive for New Britain," Benjamin said.

emily.disalvo@hearstmediact.com