Hartford planners see proposed pot shop as a plus, but CRDA sees threat to arts/entertainment district

A proposed retail cannabis shop at 89 Arch St. has the backing of Hartford’s planning department, but the Capital Region Development Authority says it is not welcome.

The proposed location — formerly home to the Blind Pig Pizza Co — sits just off one corner of the Front Street Arts and Entertainment District.

The CRDA used more than $200 million in state funds to redevelop the roughly four-block district, which now contains an upscale 175-unit apartment development, entertainment venues and restaurants serving everything from tacos to expensive steak. The district is also home to a branch campus of the University of Connecticut.

“CRDA’s statutory mission includes the creation of family-friendly entertainment within the Front Street District,” reads a portion of a June 3 email from CRDA Deputy Director Anthony Lazzaro to Hartford Senior Planner Paul Ashworth. “…We believe the addition of a marijuana distribution center to the District would be contrary to this goal.”

Derrick Gibbs — CEO of Middletown-based homecare and behavioral health provider Change Incorporated — and partners have applied to bring a cannabis retail shop to a 2,500-square-foot building that formerly housed the Blind Big Pizza Co.

Gibbs’ request for a special permit is the subject of a hearing scheduled to open at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Even so, Ashworth’s report to the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval, describing the shop as a potential source of new energy and traffic for the downtown zoning district. Ashworth reports the zoning district aims to create an “active atmosphere” through the day and into the evening through a mix of uses.

“The proposed retail use would draw in customers at a variety of time periods and add to the active atmosphere of the neighborhood, consistent with the district,” reads a portion of Ashworth’s report.

According to the application the location at 89 Arch St. can hold up to 25 shoppers at one time. It would be open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays.

Gibbs promised to hire three additional security personnel for the first month of operation.

Ashworth’s report to the commission recommends approval, pending two conditions. A queuing plan for patrons spilling out of the shop would have to be approved by city police and the Department of Public Works. And Gibbs would also have to give the city 30 days of notice prior to opening.