Recreational marijuana dispensary municipal approval (City Of Boston -- Public Records Access Officer)
| Multi Request | Recreational marijuana dispensary municipal approval |
| Submitted | Jan. 24, 2019 |
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Communications
From: Liam Knox
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
A copy of all files and communications relating to marijuana retailers' applications to begin selling recreational marijuana in Somerville, Cambridge or Boston from 2016-2019. In particular, I am looking for city guidelines and zoning ordinances related to the sale of recreational marijuana, and for communications regarding the approval of licensed recreational dispensaries or any obstacles to their approval (zoning issues, etc.)
I am also specifically looking for files and communications regarding Sira Naturals, the first retailer to have its recreational license approved (https://boston.cbslocal.com/2018/06/21/recreational-marijuana-vote-massachusetts-sira-naturals/), and any issues the company has had with municipalities that have caused a delay in the approval of its recreational sales.
I request that I be properly classified as a news media requester. I am an intern for MuckRock, and I am requesting this information in that editorial capacity. MuckRock is widely known for its investigative work as well as historical pieces based on public records requests.
I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.
I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Liam Knox
From: City Of Boston -- Public Records Access Officer
Good Morning:
The City of Boston has received your request for records. A response will
be provided once a review of your request is complete.
Yours truly,
Shawn A. Williams, Esq.
Director of Public Records
Records Access Officer
City of Boston
1 City Hall Plaza, Room 615
Boston, MA 02201
www.boston.gov/departments/public-records
(617) 635-4037
From: City Of Boston -- Public Records Access Officer
Good Afternoon Liam:
It is unclear what records you seek. I ask that you please review your
request and reply with an update that provides additional information that
will assist the City of Boston in its review.
I await your reply.
Yours truly,
Shawn A. Williams, Esq.
Director of Public Records
Records Access Officer
City of Boston
1 City Hall Plaza, Room 615
Boston, MA 02201
www.boston.gov/departments/public-records
(617) 635-4037
From: Liam Knox
Hi Shawn,
I apologize for the confusion! I'll try to clarify and narrow my request, since I now realize that some of the information in my original falls under other municipalities.
I'm seeking a copy of all communications between the City of Boston and applicants for recreational marijuana dispensary licenses in the city. I am especially interested in any communications about delays in opening recreational dispensaries and their causes, such as zoning issues, problems during inspections, etc. In addition, I'm seeking a copy of all host community agreements between the city and marijuana operators.
Let me know if you need any further clarification. Thank you!
--Liam
From: City Of Boston -- Public Records Access Officer
Good Afternoon Liam:
Please find enclosed the records responsive to your request.
Yours truly,
Shawn A. Williams, Esq.
Director of Public Records
Records Access Officer
City of Boston
1 City Hall Plaza, Room 615
Boston, MA 02201
www.boston.gov/departments/public-records
(617) 635-4037
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Massachusetts Public Records Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on Jan. 24, 2019. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Massachusetts Public Records Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on Jan. 24, 2019. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: City Of Boston -- Public Records Access Officer
The records have been provided.
Yours truly,
Shawn A. Williams, Esq.
Director of Public Records
Records Access Officer
City of Boston
1 City Hall Plaza, Room 615
Boston, MA 02201
www.boston.gov/departments/public-records
(617) 635-4037
From: Liam Knox
Hi Shawn,
Thank you so much for your help with this request! My apologies for the follow-ups after the response was completed -- it's an automated system and I must have forgotten to mark this one as complete.
Best wishes,
Liam Knox
MuckRock