A Connecticut Superior Court has sided with Shelton city officials, blocking Rodeo Cannabis from opening what would have been the city’s first legal cannabis dispensary. The ruling upholds the Planning & Zoning Commission’s earlier decision to deny the company’s application, citing zoning and safety concerns.
Zoning Concerns Take Center Stage
The commission had rejected the proposed location at Crown Point Center on Bridgeport Avenue, pointing to potential traffic congestion, insufficient parking, and conflicts with the site’s approved uses. Originally cleared for conventional retail or banking, the site was deemed incompatible with a cannabis retail operation. Officials also emphasized that cannabis, as a federally restricted substance, raised additional regulatory concerns.
Judge Barry Stevens, in his October ruling, affirmed the commission’s discretion, noting that the decision was backed by substantial evidence on traffic and parking issues.
The Players Speak Out
Rodeo Cannabis, through its parent company, PVG, LLC, signaled plans to appeal the decision. Their attorney criticized the ruling, arguing it contradicts local planning and zoning regulations. The company’s CEO, Arthur Linares, declined to comment publicly, leaving responses to his legal team.
Shelton’s city officials expressed satisfaction with the outcome. Planning & Zoning Chair Virginia Harger noted that the court’s decision validated the commission’s thorough review process and concerns about the project.
The Bigger Picture
Shelton’s opposition to cannabis sales is not new. Earlier in 2024, the city passed an ordinance banning cannabis establishments, though Rodeo Cannabis had applied before the law’s adoption. The company’s attempts to adjust their proposal to comply with Planned Development District regulations were ultimately unsuccessful.
For now, Shelton will remain without a legal cannabis retail presence, with the court decision reinforcing the city’s authority over zoning and land use in sensitive commercial areas.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
