Belfast Planning Board approves Cloud Nine cannabis store, reviews Stowaway Sports plan

The Belfast Planning Board unanimously approved a site plan amendment and use permit for Cloud Nine Premium Cannabis to operate a medical marijuana caregiver retail store at 38 Starrett Drive. The board also conducted a preliminary review of a mixed-use development proposal for Stowaway Sports and Storage on Searsport Avenue, which includes a self-storage facility and a golf simulator lounge.

Key points

• The board unanimously adopted the findings of fact and conditions of approval for the Cloud Nine medical marijuana store.
• The board unanimously approved the site plan amendment and use permit for Cloud Nine, allowing them to lease 4,100 square feet in an existing building.
• The board began a preliminary review of the Stowaway Sports and Storage project, which proposes two new structures on a 4.6-acre undeveloped lot.
• Staff and the applicant discussed stormwater modeling for the Stowaway project, noting modest increases in peak flow that existing infrastructure can handle.
• The board granted a waiver for performance guarantees for the Stowaway project, requiring only an escrow account for work within the public right-of-way.
• The board discussed designating the Stowaway buildings as "buildings of special merit" to allow for deviations from standard facade and roof pitch requirements.

Next steps

• The applicant for Stowaway Sports and Storage must provide a response to the city engineer's comments on sewer lines and manholes before the final review.
• The city engineer will review the MDOT entrance permit and typical cross-sections for the Stowaway project prior to the final plan review.
• The applicant for Stowaway Sports and Storage must submit a final lighting plan with fixtures set to 3,000 Kelvin for review at the final meeting.
• The board will hold a final plan review for the Stowaway Sports and Storage project at a later date to be determined.

Read the full transcript