202 Auto on College Highway was approved this week to sell nicotine delivery systems in addition to used cars. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – A used auto dealership on College Highway will soon offer something people don’t usually associate with cars – nicotine delivery products.
The Planning Board approved a special permit for the sale of the products, mainly consisting of vapors and flavored oils, this week at 10/202 Auto at 797 College Highway.
During a public hearing, owner Joel Faillace said he knew it was an unusual request, but he believed there was a need for it in the area.
“I got the idea because a lot of people at my wife’s work quit smoking and use the vapors,” Faillace said, adding he would sell only “high-end products.”
Members of the board were concerned that the business could lend itself to medical marijuana products but Faillace said he would not extend into that business.
To ensure that does not happen, the board included language in the permit that would not allow for any marijuana or THC products.
Planning Board Chairperson Roz Terry said the special permit would create a second use for the business, which is allowed.
Planning Board Assistant Ruth Preston asked Faillace if there would be special security measures taken.
“I do have a security system and plan to put in cameras,” he said.
Town Planner Alan Slessler said Faillace met with the Board of Health to make sure he could sell nicotine products.
“I checked with (Health Inspector Thomas Fitzgerald) and he said I can’t sell them right now because I do’t have a special permit that encompasses nicotine products,” Faillace said.
Faillace told the board he expects to have about 25 customers per day for the nicotine delivery system business. The board discussed whether or not he had the parking required for that traffic flow.
Slessler said Faillace has 16 parking spaces and is allowed to have 10 cars for sale on the property.
“I usually have five or six cars for sale and if I find that the nicotine business grows I will reduce the number of cars for sale,” Faillace said.
The board approved the speial permit, which will be given to Faillace 21 days after approval.
