Council schedules public hearing on marijuana legislation
Council members during the joint committee meeting held on Wednesday, September 1. During the common council meeting on Tuesday, September 21, council members approved the scheduling of a public hearing, which will give Norwich residents a platform to voice their thoughts on a proposed local law that would allow on-site consumption establishments and sale of marijuana within the city. (Photo by Sarah Genter)
NORWICH — The public is getting a say in the decision to legalize marijuana sales and on-site consumption in the City of Norwich. Council members scheduled a public hearing for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19.
The hearing will allow Norwich residents to express their thoughts, opinions, and concerns regarding the proposed law directly to the council.
"Anyone can come and they'll be invited to speak on this specific topic and share their opinion, ultimately, and provide any feedback they have on the proposed legislation to the common council before a vote," said Alderman Matthew Caldwell.
Holding a public hearing is a required step in the process, and council members can not move forward with a vote until the public is given their opportunity to speak.
"I want to make sure if we're going to adopt a local law before the end of this year, that we don't run out of time to also have a public hearing. Because that will be an important, if not required, piece of it," said Caldwell during a joint committee meeting earlier this month.
The deadline for making a decision is December 31. If the council does not go to a vote by that time, the city will be automatically opted in, thus making marijuana sales and on-site consumption establishments legal in the City of Norwich.
"I think it's a good thing to allow them the opportunity to speak on this. And we only have one shot, if the public decides we do not want on-site consumption or dispensaries in the City of Norwich, this is it," said Alderman Robert Jeffrey during the joint committee meeting earlier this month. "After December 31 of 2021, you can't do anything anymore. So I feel as though it's only right to the residents to give them this opportunity to speak."
According to Caldwell, the council may vote the same day as the public hearing, after listening to residents' thoughts on the matter.
"Considering the time frame, being that we are close to the end of the year, I'm guessing that's what will happen," said Caldwell. "I'm not positive, but I'm anticipating that to be the case."
He also said "it's very possible" the public's feedback during the hearing could affect the council's decision, and he urges residents to attend and express their opinions.
"I really hope the public comes out to share their opinions. I think it's an important issue," he said. "They can change the future of our city forever, one way or the other. I know there's a lot of people that have expressed their opinions to me, and to other members of the council, and I think that's fantastic. But I really hope they come to the public hearing and get on the record and speak to the whole group, and share what they feel one way or the other."
The hearing will allow Norwich residents to express their thoughts, opinions, and concerns regarding the proposed law directly to the council.
"Anyone can come and they'll be invited to speak on this specific topic and share their opinion, ultimately, and provide any feedback they have on the proposed legislation to the common council before a vote," said Alderman Matthew Caldwell.
Holding a public hearing is a required step in the process, and council members can not move forward with a vote until the public is given their opportunity to speak.
"I want to make sure if we're going to adopt a local law before the end of this year, that we don't run out of time to also have a public hearing. Because that will be an important, if not required, piece of it," said Caldwell during a joint committee meeting earlier this month.
The deadline for making a decision is December 31. If the council does not go to a vote by that time, the city will be automatically opted in, thus making marijuana sales and on-site consumption establishments legal in the City of Norwich.
"I think it's a good thing to allow them the opportunity to speak on this. And we only have one shot, if the public decides we do not want on-site consumption or dispensaries in the City of Norwich, this is it," said Alderman Robert Jeffrey during the joint committee meeting earlier this month. "After December 31 of 2021, you can't do anything anymore. So I feel as though it's only right to the residents to give them this opportunity to speak."
According to Caldwell, the council may vote the same day as the public hearing, after listening to residents' thoughts on the matter.
"Considering the time frame, being that we are close to the end of the year, I'm guessing that's what will happen," said Caldwell. "I'm not positive, but I'm anticipating that to be the case."
He also said "it's very possible" the public's feedback during the hearing could affect the council's decision, and he urges residents to attend and express their opinions.
"I really hope the public comes out to share their opinions. I think it's an important issue," he said. "They can change the future of our city forever, one way or the other. I know there's a lot of people that have expressed their opinions to me, and to other members of the council, and I think that's fantastic. But I really hope they come to the public hearing and get on the record and speak to the whole group, and share what they feel one way or the other."
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