City Council to Address Final Steps of Marijuana Legislation in Haverhill

(File photograph)

Marijuana legalization is in its final steps in Haverhill once city officials vote on regulations establishing where the product can be sold and how. (File photograph.)

Haverhill is gearing up for the sale of recreational and medical marijuana in the city, but will have to wait for the City Council to take a couple more steps to finalize the matter.

According to the agenda for the council’s Dec. 11 meeting, an ordinance establishing a set of zoning rules and regulations for the sale of marijuana in Haverhill will be sent for approval by the Planning Board Jan. 9 before it goes back to the council for final approval Jan. 15. Councilor Colin F. LePage will discuss the matter further, offering a series of amendments to the ordinance for the council to vote on

As WHAV previous reported, the council voted Dec. 4 to reject an amendment to the ordinance letting council members decide on a case-by-case basis whether any proposed marijuana establishment would need a traffic and parking study done before opening. Council President John A. Michitson suggested the amendment due to resident feedback and concerns over the impact an establishment on Washington Street would have on local traffic, but it was defeated four votes to four.

The council also has their hands full with items concerning traffic in the city. Councilor Joseph J. Bevilacqua wants to ask the council to address inoperative street lights on Lexington Avenue.

Councilor Mary Ellen Daly O’Brien will ask for an update on the installation of a crosswalk near condo entrances on Casablanca Court and the status of electronic speeding monitoring devices at Carleton Street.

Resident Stephanie Lesiczka requested time to address the council regarding private snow plow contractors in the city.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Theodore A. Pelosi Jr. Council Chambers, room 202, at Haverhill City Hall.