Middletown Buzz: Cannabis Dispensary Proposal Pulls Out of Historic Downtown ProjectMIDDLETOWN, CT – A plan to open a cannabis dispensary within a beautifully restored historic building on Main Street has been officially withdrawn by the developer—marking a contentious end to a year‑long debate about downtown identity, public funding, and zoning.
The Backstory
- 428 Main Street, formerly home to F.W. Woolworth, sits 11,500 sq ft strong—its rear accessed via 7 Melilli Plaza.
- Developer Dominick DeMartino (DFC of Main Street 428 LLC) is spearheading a multi‑million‑dollar project across several historic downtown structures, part‑funded by a $2.5 million ARPA grant aimed at revitalizing retail, housing, and commercial spaces.
From Market to Dispensary
- Early plans hinted at a market or grocery concept to help alleviate the local food desert.
- But with no grocery tenant, the developer pivoted to proposing a “high‑end” cannabis dispensary, to be leased by Gerald Farrell Jr., a former CT Department of Consumer Protection commissioner.
- The proposal required a special zoning exception since cannabis retail isn’t allowed in the B‑1 downtown business zone.
Community Response & Council Scrutiny
- Planning & Zoning Commission hearings from November 2024 onward saw clashing voices:
- Supporters emphasized economic gain and retail variety.
- Critics, including Common Council President Jeanette Blackwell, warned it threatened the family‑friendly character of downtown.
- Concerns and procedural delays prompted the council in April to refer the matter to its ARPA oversight committee. That committee later refused to vote on the request.
The Pull‑Out
- By June 19, the developer’s attorney, Jesse Langer, requested another postponement of the June 25 hearing—this time to July 23—but was denied; all extensions had reportedly been used.
- On June 19, the zoning application was formally withdrawn, ending the dispensary effort. Neither DeMartino nor Farrell commented.
What This Means for Middletown
- ARPA’s role questioned: Was the federal grant intended for a market, homes, or cannabis retail? Increasingly, residents and council members suggest such shifts shouldn’t happen without clear public review.
- Downtown direction shifts: Focus may now return to family‑oriented redevelopment—shops, restaurants, apartments and perhaps finally a grocery option.
- Zoning spotlight: The B‑1 zone remains off‑limits for cannabis—future dispensaries would need either revised zoning or new locations.
From Here
DeMartino’s withdrawal doesn’t close the book on downtown redevelopment—but it does signal that public values and funding oversight are set to play a pivotal role in shaping Middletown’s future. Residents will be watching closely to see what comes next for the Woolworth building and other ARPA‑funded sites.
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