Board Splits on Medical Marijuana Zoning Article
Select Board · Meeting of September 28, 2026
Belchertown Select Board holds $340,896 surplus out of operating budget, defers reserve split. The board voted unanimously not to spend the town's excess cherry sheet funds on operations, tabling a decision on splitting the money between stabilization and capital reserves until October 5 pending school district input. Finance Committee Chairman Brian Gibbons said putting money in capital stabilization "defeats the entire intent" if later diverted, while member Nicole warned "the reserve is where funds go to live forever." Separately, the board voted 5-0-0 to transfer a liquor license to new restaurant Victoria Mexican Kitchen and Bar, and split 2-2-1 on whether it can strike a medical marijuana zoning provision from November's special town meeting warrant.
Spectrum's Nancy Clark acknowledged rural service complaints, saying "when they don't have a choice, there's resentment that's built in."
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 4,129 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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