CHESTER – Last week, the Chester Board of Selectmen held a public hearing on a proposed marijuana business, New England Renewable Resources, owned by brothers Justin and Brian Quinn.
Justin and Brian Quinn of New England Renewable Resources. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Before introducing them at the public hearing, John Baldasaro, chairman of the Board of Selectmen said the Quinns are looking at the old Hamilton (Treibacher) Mill at 126 Middlefield Road to start their growing operation, after several years of experience in the business in Oregon.
Justin Quinn said the initial scope of their business will be cultivation and manufacturing, but added that they are “very interested in doing retail,” depending on the economics of that business. He mentioned that they also have their eye on property across the street at 133 Middlefield Road for potential expansion.
Quinn said that on the retail side, dispensaries seem to struggle when they don’t have a population of 5,000-6,000 of heavy consumption users. He said the demand is unknown, and emphasized that the first focus of the business will be on cultivation and product manufacturing.
Quinn also said, although their product will be for “adult use,” and although they are not seeking a medical marijuana license, they will guarantee medicine for medicinal users. Following the meeting, he added that Massachusetts will probably merge the two programs (medical and recreational) for oversight and simplicity.
Talking about the positive impact the business will have on the community, Quinn talked about payments to Chester through the host agreement. He said town residents would get preferential treatment for hiring at the plant, which he projected to be 8-10 full-time jobs “about a year from now.” He said preferential treatment would also be given for work on electrical, plumbing, HVAC contracts and general contractors.
Quinn said they would also like to cross-promote with Chester the scenic nature of the town and the Westfield River, which he called “very picturesque.”
“We would love to parlay the historic nature of town,” he said.
As for some of the challenges of the business, Quinn spoke about security measures. “The location will be maintained securely,” he said, noting plans for a central alarm system, 24-hour video recording and a pathway alarm. He said there will be multiple layers of safes and locks.
The business will also take steps to limit diversion through the training of employees and mutual trust. “Most of the diversion comes from employees stealing from companies,” Quinn said, calling it an “industry truth.” He also said in 2+ years of operation in Oregon, they never had to involve first responders. Later, Quinn said they are winding down their business in Oregon, due to over-production in the state.
In response to a question from residents at the hearing, Quinn said all employees have to be CORI checked, and pass regulated testing and vetting from the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).
Brian Quinn spoke about noise pollution and smell, which he called typical community concerns. He said the business would be an all-indoor production, not visible from the street, and they would be improving the curb appeal of the property. Justin Quinn said they would be using charcoal filters, making the product not detectible at the street level.
A neighbor said she was more concerned with noise from fans than with smells. “I’ve only been woken up twice since I lived there,” she said. Justin Quinn assured her the production facility would be quiet, and said he didn’t expect traffic more than once a week. “I am happy and delighted to welcome you to the neighborhood,” she said.
The existing mill building which will house the manufacturing is a 4500 square foot building. “I see so much potential,” Justin Quinn said, mentioning new paint and a roof. He said they would be taking down the old post and beam barn on the property that he said was “too costly to repair.” When asked what the replacement plans for that building would be, he said they would keep the concrete slab for expansion purposes.
“Part of this process will be negotiating with the town about curb appeal,” said Baldasaro, adding that it would be discussed in a meeting with the Planning Board.
Justin Quinn said the hours of operation would also be negotiated with the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen.
Barbara Huntoon asked about water usage. Justin Quinn said they would do recollection of the HVAC runoff and dehumidification, as well as rainwater capture. “We plan to have zero draw from any other source in the next nine months,” he said.
Chester public hearing on proposed marijuana business in town.
Resident Tom Huntoon, who owns the Cortland Mill in town, said he and his co-owner had been negotiating for several years with another group who was interested in opening a medical marijuana business at the Cortland Mill. He said the prospective buyers got their license, and pulled out.
“On another note, as far as retail goes, I don’t think we should tie up the opportunity for retail to someone who doesn’t have a license,” Huntoon said. “I don’t feel we should tie up any resources we have and limit them to you.”
“We have no interest in extorting the town for money as the only retail in the game. We’re not asking for an exclusivity deal or special treatment,” Quinn said, adding, “Our presence here should be enough. “ He also said they cannot submit an application for a retail license until June 1.
“What we’re talking about is grow, produce, manufacture,” Baldasaro said. He said that the public hearing was the first time the Quinns had talked about retail. “We’re not opposed to it, but it’s the next step. No exclusivity here,” Baldasaro said.
“As long as you’re not giving away the retail store,” Huntoon said.
“Do you see expansion in the future,” asked Chester selectman Barbara Huntoon.
“Absolutely, that’s what I want 133 (Middlefield Road) for,” Justin Quinn said.
Jeanne LeClair, Hilltown Economic Development Director said she was interested in a ball park estimate of the scope of the business.
“In Oregon, fluctuation in the market was quite extreme. Giving an estimate ultimately depends on the market,” Justin Quinn said. He said in their experience right now, the market price is one-tenth of where it started. He said the current market price is $3,000 per pound of high quality product, but could drop to $700 per pound if the U.S. opens up.
Following the meeting, Justin Quinn said the outlook on production for the business would be about 100-150 pounds per month, adding that since the value is going to be dictated by the market, he couldn’t give any exact figures. But he said the range of $700/lb. to $3,000/lb. mentioned in the meeting, sounded about right.
“Are you going to be living here with us,” asked Andy Myers, who serves on the Finance committee in Chester.
“For a time, yes; it might be three months, or it might be a year,” Justin Quinn said.
Brian Quinn said they grew up in (Mamaroneck) New York, a couple of hours south of here. “We are very hands on and would be here a lot. We wouldn’t be too far away,” he said.
A question was asked whether townspeople would have some say on opening a retail shop. Baldasaro responded that he wasn’t sure. “The Cannabis Control Commission is making the rules,” he said. “If a town voted yes on Question 4 by more than 50%, it does not have a lot to say about businesses coming in.”
“We would need to hold another public meeting,” Brian Quinn said. “The reason I wanted to bring that up is we thought it would be a benefit to the town.”
“It’s a different conversation,” Baldasaro said.
Barbara Huntoon asked about their investors, and how beholden they were to them. She said the previous business the town was negotiating with left because their investors wanted more potential. “How much control do your investors have,” she asked the brothers.
“None, right now. Our plan is to retain voting shares ourselves and a pool of shares for employees coming on. We have no intention of giving up more than 49%,” Justin Quinn said. He added that once the business is established and the financials are established, they will be looking to expand across the street. “We have no other investors currently,” he said.
“We have access to quite a few interested parties,” Brian Quinn said.
Following the meeting, Justin Quinn said they put in an application May 1 for the cultivation license, which he said went well. License applications for manufacturing and retail open up on June 1.
Quinn said they are hoping for a July start date for their cultivation business, depending on “the ability of the state to answer all license requests,” he said.
