Mayor Sarno will reconvene the City’s internal committee to update the Request for Proposal process to comply with changes in the laws and regulations, as well as the changing environment caused by the COVID–19 Coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Sarno tasked City Solicitor Attorney Edward Pikula to work again with the outside-specialized independent Consultant, Attorney Julie E. Steiner Consulting LLC, and the City’s internal committee, to provide a revised application and evaluation process with an anticipated date to begin accepting applications in October 2020. The process will also build upon on the experience gained in the first round of applications and approvals.
Mayor Sarno states, “I would like to consider up to four (4) retail applicants and up to two (2) cultivation applicants. Also, I would like to have special consideration for social justice and/or social equity applicants.”
Mayor Sarno added, “I have asked our consultant, Attorney Julie Steiner, to work with the Law Department and the City’s internal committee to update the process for inviting applicants to participate in the City’s Host Community Agreement and Special Permit process. I want to assure that a fair and transparent evaluation is put in place to review any new applications or amended applications by past applicants, seeking to open up an Adult Use Marijuana business in Springfield. We have conducted a successful first round and I am confident that we will be able to put forth another successful second round based upon the changes to the laws, regulations and public health concerns due to the pandemic. This new round will build upon what we have learned to provide to create an economic impact for the City and new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship”.
Attorney Steiner, of Julie E. Steiner Consulting LLC, is the Attorney specializing in cannabis law and policy, and land use and environmental law, and who helped guide the City’s process and oversee the Internal Committee through round one. Attorney Steiner is a tenured Professor of Law at Western New England University School of Law where she teaches Cannabis Law and Policy, Environmental Law, Torts, Land Use, and Introduction to Law. She is a 1994 graduate of Boston University School of Law, where she received her law degree, (cum laude) as well as a 1991 graduate of Syracuse University where she received her Bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude).
Attorney Steiner stated: “At a time when COVID-19 has forced many other municipalities to slow their cannabis review process, I commend Mayor Sarno for his decision to invite a second host community agreement RFP-Q selection process. The burgeoning cannabis industry generates business ownership opportunities, local jobs and income. Since the time the City engaged in its prior selection process, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has adapted its regulations in many areas and significantly expanded its social equity program. The City’s decision to open Phase II reflects its commitment to facilitate a safe, equitable and robust cannabis industry in Springfield.”
Attorney Steiner will work with the internal committee consisting of representatives from the Health Department, Police Department, Fire Department, Planning Department, Law Department, Building Department, Public Works Department, Finance Department, Procurement Department as well as a member of the City Council appointed by the City Council President.