Host Community Transparency Practices Information

Host Community Transparency Practices Information

Pursuant to 935 CMR 500.181(3)(b)(1) and 935 CMR 501.181(3)(b)(1), a Host Community must develop transparent practices to promote and encourage full equity participation in the industry within their municipality. To accomplish this requirement, the Host Community shall publicize certain information in a conspicuous location at its offices and on its website.

Marijuana Advisory Team (MAT)

Name

City Position

Contact Information

Michael A. Tusino

Chief Operating Officer & MAT Chair

150 Concord Street, Room 213

Framingham, MA 01702

Phone: (508) 532-5404

Email: mat@framinghamma.gov

Fred Bray

Building Commissioner

150 Concord Street, Room 203

Framingham, MA 01702

Phone: (508) 532-5500

Email: fbray@framinghamma.gov

Sarkis Sarkisian

Planning & Community Development Director

150 Concord Street, Room 121

Framingham, MA 01702

Phone: (508) 532-5455

Email: ssarkisian@framinghamma.gov

Robin Williams

Public Health Assistant Director

188 Concord Street, First Floor Framingham, MA 01702

Phone: (508) 532-5470

Email: rwilliams@framinghamma.gov

Dana Haagensen

Director of Administration and Finance for Fire Department

Fire Headquarters 10 Loring Drive

Framingham, MA 01702

Phone: (508) 532-5930

Email: drh@framinghamma.gov

Lester Baker

Police Chief

1 William H. Welch Way Framingham, MA 01702

Phone: (508) 872-1212

Jennifer Pratt

Chief Financial Officer & Chief Procurement Officer

150 Concord Street

Framingham, MA 01702

Phone: (508) 532-5425

Email: Office.cfo@framinghamma.gov

Kathryn M. Fallon

City Solicitor

150 Concord Street, Room B2 Framingham, MA 01702

Phone: (508) 532-5429

Email: kfallon@framinghamma.gov

 

Framingham Marijuana Host Community Agreement Application Process

Below is an overview of the Marijuana Host Community Agreement (HCA) application process. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and evaluated by MAT upon completion of all requested information.

Application Process

 

 

Description

1

Applicant to review all City Marijuana Regulations and Policies

2

Applicant to submit Minor Site Plan Review application with the Planning Board pursuant to Framingham Regulatory Ordinances Chapter 435 Zoning §435-47*

3

Applicant to gather all required application information, documents and supporting materials (see list of required application documents and supporting materials below)

4

Applicant to submit a Host Community Agreement Application through the City’s OpenGov Portal: https://framinghamma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1085

5

MAT to review application for completeness before scheduling an introductory meeting with Applicant

6

MAT to host meeting(s) with Applicant to review application and determine recommendation

7

Applicant may be required to provide additional information, materials, documents, or plans as requested by MAT

8

Applicant to advertise and host a Community Outreach Meeting pursuant to 935 CMR 500.101 (1)(a)(9) and 935 CMR 501.101 (1)(a)(9)

9

MAT to issue recommendation to the Mayor and notify the Applicant on whether or not an HCA will be granted

10

If applicable, City and Applicant to execute a Host Community Agreement that complies with 935 CMR 500.180 and 935 CMR 501.180

*Visit the Planning & Community Development Office or the Planning Board webpage for Site Plan Review application details

List of Host Community Application Documents

Additional supporting documents, information, or materials may be requested from MAT during the application review process.

  1. Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Incorporation;
  2. Bylaws and any amendments;
  3. Annual Reports;
  4. Deed or Lease Agreement for proposed location;
  5. Resumes/Biographies for Persons with Direct or Indirect Control (Directors, Chief Officers, etc.);
  6. Completed Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI);
  7. Business and/or Strategic Plan;
  8. Safety & Security Plan;
  9. Site Plan (prepared by a professional engineer or land surveyor licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts);
  10. Planning Board Site Plan Review Decision
  11. Floor Plan;
  12. Parking Plan;
  13. Traffic Plan;
  14. Supplier Operation Plan (if applicable);
  15. Financial Records/Letters of Financing (SEC Filings, Investment Accounts, Loans, etc.)
  16. Proposed Community Outreach Meeting date and agenda, including information to be presented at such meeting pursuant to 935 CMR 500.101 (1)(a)(9) and 935 CMR 501.101 (1)(a)(9);
  17. All HCAs with other municipalities, (if applicable);
  18. Any other obligation or requirement imposed by 935 CMR 500.101 and 935 CMR 501.101.

Scoring Methodologies and Evaluation Criteria

The City of Framingham may grant ME/MTC Host Community Agreements with the goal of ensuring that licenses are granted with respect to equity, quality, and community safety. Licensees shall be expected to comply with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Framingham. The City is not obligated to enter into an HCA with any Applicant. The following scoring criteria is used by MAT to guide the deliberations of an HCA application:

  1. Equity:      /25 Total

    1. Is the individual, entity, or applicant pre-verified or verified pursuant to 935 CMR 500.101(7)?
    2. Is the License Applicant a Social Equity Program Participant?
    3. Is the License Applicant an Economic Empowerment Priority Applicant?
    4. Does the License Applicant or pre-verified individual or entity have a prior Marijuana-related criminal offense or conviction?
    5. Does the License Applicant or pre-verified individual or entity part of an Area of Disproportionate Impact, as identified by the Commission?
    6. Is the pre-verified individual of Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Native American or indigenous descent, or is a majority of a pre-verified entity or License Applicant entity comprised of individuals that are of Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Native American or indigenous descent?

  2. Diversity and Inclusion Plan:  /15 Total

    1. Goals
    2. Programs
    3. Measurements
      1. Does the Plan include qualitative and quantitative measures that demonstrate the progress/success?
      2. Do the Metrics used have an identified data source and method for tracking plans?

  3. Employment/Business Plan:  /20 Total

    1. Plan for employment of Framingham residents.
    2. Plan for employment of minorities and women.
    3. Plan for offering competitive wages and benefits for local residents.
    4. Demonstrated direct experience in the cannabis industry or a similar industry, e.g., existing DPH or CCC licensure.
    5. Strategic plan, 5-year plan, and/or business plan

  4. Location/Parking Plan:  /20 Total

    1. Location must be within an approved zoning district.
    2. Site selection and ability to obtain necessary local permits.
    3. Distance from a licensed retail marijuana establishment.
    4. Residential and commercial density near the site.
    5. Distance from schools, social services, or treatment centers.
    6. Access to public transportation.
    7. Accessibility and amount of on-site parking

  5. Safety, Security, Transportation Plan:  /15 Total

    1. Plan for on-site security personnel.
    2. Plan for building and product security.
    3. Site plan showing site circulation, parking, lighting, screening and delivery bay;
    4. Plan for protecting youth from accessing the product.
    5. Plan for the transportation and delivery of product.
    6. Plan for the transportation of monies to and from the site.
    7. Fire and hazardous materials safety.

  6. Community Feedback/Public Support:  /5 Total

    1. Letters of support from local elected officials.
    2. Letters of support from local community organizations.

       /100 Score Total

Fee Schedule

There is no fee required to submit an HCA application; however, applicants should be advised that additional fees may apply to operate a ME or MTC within the City according to fee schedules established by other City departments, including but not limited to, the following:

Host Community Agreement Application $ 0.00

Additional fees (if applicable):

  • Initial Registered Marijuana Dispensary Operating Permit               $ 2,000.00 
  • Registered Marijuana Dispensary Operating Permit                          $ 500.00 (annually)
  • Dispensary Agent Permit                                                                           $ 100.00 (annually)
  • Building and Inspectional Service Permits                                          Click here to view Fee Schedule
  • Planning Board Site Plan Review                                                           Click here to view Fee Schedule

You can also visit the City departments in-person at the Framingham Memorial Building to request additional information regarding permit fees and applications.