Cheshire Mulls Marijuana Consumption Bylaw

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
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CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Board of Selectmen is considering a bylaw covering the public consumption of cannabis. 

Police Officer Aaron Goodell brought this to the town administrator after receiving an increase of calls about juveniles in possession of marijuana vapes at Hoosac Valley High School.

Chair Shawn McGrath wondered at last week's meeting if they should consider adding an alcohol bylaw or incorporate both substances into one bylaw. 

The board had an initial draft based on Dalton's bylaws regarding public consumption.

The draft mentioned any public consumption of marijuana was prohibited with a penalty of $300 for each offense and the bylaw may be enforced through any lawful means.

The board members had many questions and suggested that they table the discussion until Goodell could attend a meeting to answer their questions.

In other business, the board was informed that the free cash certifications would bring in $677,991 from the general fund, $204,394 from the Water Enterprise Fund, and $32,071 from the Transfer Station Enterprise Fund.

Town Administrator Jennifer Morse also brought up the state Department of Transportation's Municipal Pavement Program. The state is planning to improve Route 116 in Cheshire and Savoy in fiscal 2028. Morse said the town will not be responsible for the project.


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Complaint Withdrawn Over Adams Park Street Christmas Display

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — The Christmas display at Dr. Martin Bush's dentist office no longer has a violation against it after a complaint was withdrawn. 
 
On Jan. 15, Bush received a correction order from David Rhinemiller, the code enforcement officer, after he received a phone complaint of sound emanating from the front of the building from the end of November until early January. 
 
The sound likely refers to the music coming from Bush's longstanding "Polar Express" display in the window of his office, located at 9 Park St.
 
The violations cited were "holiday decorations with sound that generates a high [sound level] that [is] 10 decimals above normal surrounding noise at the property line.” 
 
In addition, "noise interfering with the normal operation or occupant's health of adjacent or abutting properties or atmosphere."
 
The display is not against local sound ordinances because from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. the town does not have sound restrictions, Rhinemiller said. 
 
The violation was unrelated to decibel readings because no measurement could be taken — the complaint was received on Jan. 2, after the noise had already stopped.
 
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