SPRINGFIELD — Companies continued Thursday to detail their proposed marijuana businesses in Springfield, including a plan to renovate the former Howard Johnson’s motel and restaurant in the South End.
The city plans to select up to four retail stores and at least one cultivation business, among other licenses, in its second phase of marijuana business applications. Four recreational marijuana shops were approved in the first round in 2019, with one store open so far, Liberty Springfield on Boston Road.
A total of 17 companies presented plans during online sessions Monday and Thursday. There is a March 22 deadline for formal proposals.
Presenters both days generally emphasized local hiring, diversity, stringent security and safety, and community involvement. Descriptions of Thursday’s presentations follow.
Green Gold Group plans a $12 million redevelopment at the former Howard Johnson’s and Ann Fields Country Pie Restaurant property at 333-337 East Columbus Ave.
The converted building would host not only a retail marijuana store but also other small businesses, entrepreneurs and community functions, said corporate lawyer James McMahon. The community use would be free of charge and the business use would include furnishings and subsidized rents, he said.
The family-run company’s experience includes a 153,000-square-foot cannabis production facility in North Brookfield. Rafael Aronov is company president.
This former bank building at 1391 Main Street in Springfield is being considered as the site of a marijuana dispensary. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 3/19/2021
Origins Sales East LLC presented plans for a marijuana retail store on the first floor of 1391 Main St., formerly a People’s United Bank.
Company officials said the site is at a key downtown intersection close to Interstate 91 and 291 and the bridge crossing to West Springfield. There is nearby public parking, metered parking and arrangements planned for validated private parking, officials said.
CEO Sean Miller said the company has 10 retail licenses across the U.S., as well as cultivation and manufacturing businesses. The company would hire about 20 employees.
Diem Cannabis plans a marijuana cultivation and retail operation at the former Macy’s store at the Eastfield Mall on Boston Road. CEO Chris Mitchem said the company is planning a $35 million investment, with retail on the first floor and cultivation on the second.
The project has been “two years in the making,” and would lead to 300 jobs, he said. Diem is pursuing the project in a partnership with Luiselis Hernandez of Springfield, a local businesswoman.
Deim Cannabis is seeking to open a marijuana business including a retail store, cultivation and manufacturing center at the former Macy’s store at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield. (The Republican file photo)
Seven Thirty-Two Cottage Street Inc. revealed plans for a retail store at that address in East Springfield, in an industrial area.
Directors Steven and Michelle Mrowzinski said they are from Long Island, New York, but plan to move to Springfield. The couple purchased the property and have made some improvements, they said. The site is not near any residences, they said.
The company proposed a retail store there in 2018, but it was not selected in the first round.
Apical Inc. presented plans for a retail store at 785 Page Blvd. in East Springfield, formerly Boulevard Machine & Gear. Apical’s founder is Kat Kasom of Easthampton.
There are two other buildings on the property and both would be demolished. With existing parking and added space, there should be room for nearly 50 parking spaces, company officials said.
Green Leaf Dispensary is proposing a retail store at 1168 Boston Road. The owner and CEO, Hash Patel, also is CEO and president of 4Bro’s Inc. and East Coast Pharms, and has an approved medical cannabis business in Holyoke.
There is a long history of restaurant and retail use at the Boston Road site, and the new business would help rejuvenate that area, company representatives said.
Tree ‘N Brick LLC is seeking a license for a delivery service from its site at 1860 Main St., on the ground floor of The Republican building. It would provide marijuana deliveries in Springfield and surrounding communities.
The company is a sister company of 6 Brick’s LLC, which is preparing to open a marijuana retail store at 1860 Main St. Taylor Shubrick is listed as CEO of Tree ‘N Brick, and others involved in the company include Payton and Fred Shubrick and Gyasi Sellers.
RelaxMD LLC presented plans for a dispensary, but said the location has not been finalized.
CEO Richard Laguerre said there would be no walk-ins, as the business would provide marijuana through appointments or home delivery, with people ordering the products online. Highly trained consultants would work with the customers, he said.
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