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WARRANTTOWN OF ABINGTON

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTSANNUAL TOWN MEETING

PLYMOUTH, SS

To either of the Constables of the Town of Abington …

GREETINGS. In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town, who are qualified to vote in Town affairs, to meet at:

ABINGTON HIGH SCHOOL201 RICHARD FRANCIS GLINIEWICZ WAY

IN PRECINCT FIVE IN SAID ABINGTON, ON MONDAY, THE 24th OF May 2021, AT 7:10 IN THE EVENING

Article 1 – FY2022 Operating Budget: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, and appropriate from departmental receipts such sums as necessary to defray salaries and expenses of the Town for the fiscal year 2022, including without limitation, enterprise, and special revenue funds, all as set forth in the attached handout entitled “Proposed FY2022 Town Budget”, or take any other action relative thereto.

By Town Manager

Article 2 – Funding of Capital Plan: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds, borrow, lease/purchase or otherwise provide for the following capital items and all costs incidental or related thereto, or take any other action relative thereto.

CAPITAL PLANDEPARTMENT AMOUNT FUNDING SOURCE

A Water Department:

1Treatment plant filter upgrades, raw water pumping equipment and filters for all treatment plants with like amount paid by Rockland

$100,000 Water Receipts Reserved for Appropriation

2 Fourth of five lease payments on backhoe front end loader $25,000 Water Receipts Reserved for Appropriation

3 Continuing survey and testing of water supply in accordance with Massachusetts drinking water regulations $40,000 Water Receipts Reserved

for Appropriation

4 Updating the Emergency Response Plan $15,000 Water Receipts Reserved for Appropriation

5 Purchase water meters $75,000 Water Receipts Reserved for Appropriation

6 Redevelop and update the water treatment system $100,000 Water Receipts Reserved for Appropriation

7 Sludge management program at water treatment plants $40,000 Water Receipts Reserved

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for Appropriation

8 Joint water works treatment vehicle with like amount paid by Rockland, purchase and equip $25,000 Water Receipts Reserved

for Appropriation

9 Joint water works heavy duty dump truck.with like amount paid by Rockland, purchase and equip $75,000 Water Receipts Reserved

for Appropriation

10 Purchase and equip asphalt roller and paving equipment with like amount paid by Rockland $25,000 Water Receipts Reserved

for Appropriation

11 Purchase water hydrants $25,000 Water Receipts Reserved for Appropriation

Total This Department: $545,000

B Sewer Dept:1 Line Phase One Manholes $175,000 Sewer Retained Earnings


C Strawberry Valley Golf:1 Purchase of golf carts $50,000 Golf Retained Earnings

2 New well & additional pump $35,000 Golf Retained Earnings

3 Equipment purchase $65,000 Golf Retained Earnings

4 Maintenance pad for materials (7th hole) $30,000 Golf Retained Earnings


By Town Manager

CONSENT AGENDA: Articles 3 through 10 (inclusive) are to be included in this year’s Consent Agenda. These rather routine articles (either by the type or annual nature of the articles) shall be voted together in order to save time. If any voter would prefer that any of these articles be voted separately, the Moderator will ask for such requests prior to the vote on the Consent Agenda.

Article 3 – Sick Leave Buy Back: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $35,121.60 from Water Receipts Reserved for the purpose of sick leave buy back for 2 retiring employees, or take any other action relative thereto.

By Water Commissioners

Article 4 – Annual Funding of Student Transportation : To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $14,000 for student transportation services for Abington students attending out-of-district vocational schools as non-resident students for the 2021-2022 school year, or take any other action relative thereto.

By School Committee

Article 5 – Health Imperative Funding : To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $5,000 to fund the Health Imperative violence prevention and intervention program for services provided to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in FY2022, or take any other action relative thereto.

By Petition

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Article 6 – Arc of the South Shore Funding: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $2,500 to fund the Arc of the South Shore for services provided to Abington residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Fiscal Year 2022, or take any other action relative thereto.

By Town Manager

Article 7 – Matching Grant for Hazard Mitigation: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $5,000 for the purpose of providing a 10% match for a flood and storm hazard mitigation grant for qualifying projects within the Town, or take any other action relative thereto.

By Town Manager

Article 8 – Matching Grant for Mill Street Dam Repair: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $50,000 for the purpose of providing a 10% match to qualify for and accept a $500,000 grant to repair the Mill Street Dam, or take any other action relative thereto.

By Department of Public Works

Article 9 – Establishment of new Stormwater Revolving Fund: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws of the Town of Abington Section 124-1 by adding the following new Revolving Fund and to authorize the Town Clerk to assign such numbering as is appropriate to bring said bylaw into conformance with the existing codification:

Revolving Fund Authorized to Spend Revenue Source Use of Funds Spending

LimitStormwater Fund Planning Board Development fees

paid to the Abington Planning Board

Paying costs related to maintenance of stormwater infiltration and detention basins within the Town

$50,000

or take any other action relative thereto.

By the Planning Board

Article 10 – Deletion of Building Dept Revolving Fund : To see if the Town will vote, in accordance with MGL c. 44, § 53E ½, to amend Chapter 124 of the Town’s General Bylaws, Revolving Funds, by deleting Section 124-1, subsection k, so as to terminate the Building Department revolving fund, or take any other action relative thereto.

By Town Manager

END OF CONSENT AGENDA ARTICLES

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Article 11 – Community Preservation Budget: To see if the Town will vote to adopt the report of the Community Preservation Committee for the Fiscal Year 2022 Community Preservation Budget and to appropriate or reserve for later appropriation monies from the Community Preservation Fund Estimated Annual Revenues for the administrative expenses of the Community Preservation Committee, reserve allocations as required, for the specific projects as presented, and for all other necessary and proper expenses for the fiscal year, or take any other action relative thereto.

PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2022 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION BUDGET

PROJECTRECOMMENDED

AMOUNT

AppropriationsCommunity Preservation Expense (5%) $ 20,200.00

Open Space/Recreation (minimum 10%)

1. Beaver Brook Playground Phase II (removal of old materials and trees in direct vicinity and materials/installation of new playground) $ 125,000.00

2. Griffin Dairy Well $ 25,000.00

3. Little League Phase II (second half of repairs to Plymouth St. field) $ 50,000.00

Contributions to Reserves1. Historical Resources (amount needed to reach 10% minimum) $ 41,411.00 2. Housing (amount needed to reach 10% minimum) $ 41,411.00

FY 2021 Total Expenditures $ 303,022.00

FUNDING SOURCES:Carry Over From FY 21 $ 151,090.44 Anticipated Tax Revenue $ 414,110.00 Anticipated State Match $ 82,822.00 Total FY 2021 Budget $ 648,022.44

Anticipated Carry Over to FY 23 $ 345,000.44

By Community Preservation Committee

Article 12 – Design of New Fire Station: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds, borrow, or otherwise provide the sum of $3,500,000 for engineering, design and project management costs and similar associated expenses for the first phase of a new fire station, and anything incidental or related thereto, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to execute all documents and take such actions as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this vote, or take any other action relative thereto.

By Fire Station Building Committee

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Article 13 – Purchase of Vacant Land off Bedford Street: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or borrow the sum of $130,000 to purchase a parcel of land at 0 Bedford St Map 38 and Lot 16 or take any other action relative thereto.

By Town Manager

Article 14 – Funding of Roadway Pavement Projects : To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or borrow the sum of $775,000 to pay costs of grinding and paving Hancock and Lincoln Streets, including planning, engineering, design, and equipping, and costs, to include the costs of a Project Manager and a Project Designer, and including all construction and/or renovation costs, including the costs of landscaping, site work and paving, moving, demolition and disposal of any existing sewer mains and materials, assessment, containment and/or removal of any hazardous materials, and any and all other costs incidental or related to the project, and to take any other action relative thereto.

By Department of Public Works

Article 15 – Planning for Building Updates at Town Offices & Public Library: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or borrow a sum of money to pay for the costs of designing, estimating, engineering and planning for the future replacement of the Town Offices’ roof, windows and exterior doors and the Public Library’s roof, all of which are approximately 25 years old, including the costs of retaining professional designers and consultants and any and all other costs incidental or related thereto, and to take any other action relative thereto.

By Town Manager

Article 16 – Revision to Affordable Housing Trust Bylaw: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Abington Affordable Housing Trust Fund Bylaw, Section 18-3 relative to the term for members of the Abington Affordable Housing Trust Board of Trustees, by adding the text shown in bold below; or take any other action relative thereto.

§18-3 Board of Trustees

There shall be a Board of Trustees (the “Board”) consisting of five members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. At least one (1) of the Trustees shall be a member of the Board of Selectmen. Only persons who are residents of the Town of Abington shall be eligible to hold the office of Trustee. Trustees shall serve for a term of two years, except that two of the initial trustee appointments shall be for a term of one year, and two of the initial appointments shall be for two years, and the Selectmen’s designee shall serve until the end of their term on the Board of Selectmen or for two years, whichever comes first; and Trustees may be re-appointed at the discretion of the Board of Selectmen for succeeding terms, with no limits on the number of terms that a Trustee can serve. Any Trustee who ceases to be a resident of the Town of Abington shall cease to be a Trustee hereunder and shall promptly provide a written notification of the change in residence to the Board and to the Town Clerk. Any Trustee may resign by written instrument signed and acknowledged by such Trustee and duly filed with the Town Clerk. If a Trustee shall die, resign, or for any other reason cease to be a Trustee hereunder before his/her term of office expires, a successor shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen to fill such vacancy provided that in each case the said appointment and acceptance in writing by the Trustee so appointed is filed with the Town Clerk. Upon the appointment of any succeeding Trustee and the filing of such appointment, the title to the Trust estate shall thereupon and without the necessity of any conveyance be vested in such succeeding Trustee jointly with the remaining Trustees. Trustees may be removed by the Board of Selectmen at any time for cause following the opportunity for a hearing. For purposes of this bylaw, the term “cause” shall include, but not be limited to, violation of any local, state, or federal law; incapacity to perform the duties of a Trustee; and acts of a Trustee, that in the opinion of the

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Board of Selectmen, are negligent or detrimental to the Town of Abington or the Trust. Reference to the Trustee shall mean the Trustee or Trustees for the time being hereunder.

By Town Manager

Article 17 – Funding of Union Contracts: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds a sum of money to pay for (1) the first year of the collective bargaining agreement with the Abington Firefighters Local 2080, (2) the first year of the collective bargaining agreement with the Abington Police MassCop Local 476, and (3) the first year of the collective bargaining agreement with the Abington Library Staff Association Local 4928, or take any other action relative thereto.

By Town Manager

Article 18 – Borrowing for South Shore Regional Vocational School Renovations: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the South Shore Regional Vocational School District (SSRVSD) to incur debt in the amount of $10,516,372 under the authority of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71 Section 16(d), or any other enabling authority, for the purpose of remodeling and making extraordinary repairs to its school building which will extend the useful life of the school and support the required educational programs, or to take any other action relative thereto.

By South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee

Article 19 – Property Tax Exemption for Gold Star Parents: To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of M.G.L. c. 59, § 5, Clause Twenty-second H (inserted by Chapter 218 of the Acts of 2018) known as an Act Relative to Veterans’ Benefits, Rights, Appreciation, Validation, and Enforcement (“BRAVE Act”)), to provide a 100% real estate tax exemption for Gold Star parents, effective for the tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2021 or take any other action relative thereto.

By Veterans’ Agent

Articles 20 – 32 are Zoning Amendment articles

Article 20 – Zoning Amendment to update Section 175-35: To see if the Town will vote to amend Abington Zoning Bylaws §175-35 by deleting the existing text in its entirety and inserting the following text, in order to update its wording and to conform to current requirements of FEMA:

§175-35 Flood Plain and Wetlands Protection District

A. Purpose. The Flood Plain and Wetland Protection District (also herein referred to as the “Floodplain Overlay District”) and the regulations herein have been established with the following purposes intended: The purpose of the Floodplain Overlay District is to:

1. Ensure public safety through reducing the threats to life and personal injury.2. Eliminate new hazards to emergency response officials.3. Prevent the occurrence of public emergencies resulting from water quality, contamination, and pollution

due to flooding.4. Avoid the loss of utility services which if damaged by flooding would disrupt or shut down the utility

network and impact regions of the community beyond the site of flooding.5. Eliminate costs associated with the response and cleanup of flooding conditions.6. Reduce damage to public and private property resulting from flooding waters.

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For purposes of this Bylaw, in cases of a building permit involving a one-family or a two-family dwelling, the word "Board" as found throughout this Bylaw § 175-35 shall be deemed to refer to the Board of Appeals. For building permits involving all other structures or uses (multi-family, commercial, definitive subdivision, mixed use, etc.), the word "Board" as found in this Bylaw § 175-35 shall be deemed to refer to the Planning Board.

B. Definitions.For the purposes of this section of the Zoning Bylaw the following definitions shall be applied:

DEVELOPMENT - Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to building or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials. [US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 59]

FLOODWAY - The channel of the river, creek or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height. [Base Massachusetts Code, Chapter 2, Section 202]

FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT USE - A use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building and ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities. [US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 59] Also [Referenced Standard ASCE 24-14]

HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE - The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure. [US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 59]

HISTORIC STRUCTURE - Any structure that is:

1. Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;

2. Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;

3. Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or

4. Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either:

a. By an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior or

b. Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.

[US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 59]

NEW CONSTRUCTION - Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of the first floodplain management code, regulation, ordinance, or standard adopted by the authority having jurisdiction, including any subsequent improvements to such structures. New construction includes work determined by the Building Commissioner to be substantial improvement (Reference Standard ASCE 24-14).

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RECREATIONAL VEHICLE - A vehicle which is:

1. Built on a single chassis;

2. 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection;

3. Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck; and

4. Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

[US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 59]

REGULATORY FLOODWAY - see FLOODWAY.

SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA - The land area subject to flood hazards and shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard map as Zone A, AE, A1-30, A99, AR, AO, AH, V, VO, VE or V1-30. [Base Massachusetts Code, Chapter 2, Section 202]

START OF CONSTRUCTION - The date of issuance for new construction and substantial improvements to existing structures, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement or other improvement is within 180 days after the date of issuance. The actual start of construction means the first placement of permanent construction of a building (including a manufactured home) on a site, such as the pouring of a slab or footings, installation of pilings or construction of columns.

Permanent construction does not include land preparation (such as clearing, excavation, grading or filling), the installation of streets or walkways, excavation for a basement, footings, piers or foundations, the erection of temporary forms or the installation of accessory buildings such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main building. For a substantial improvement, the actual “start of construction” means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building. [Base Code, Chapter 2, Section 202]

STRUCTURE - For floodplain management purposes, a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. [US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 59]

SUBSTANTIAL REPAIR OF A FOUNDATION - When work to repair or replace a foundation results in the repair or replacement of a portion of the foundation with a perimeter along the base of the foundation that equals or exceeds 50% of the perimeter of the base of the foundation measured in linear feet, or repair or replacement of 50% of the piles, columns or piers of a pile, column or pier supported foundation, the building official shall determine it to be substantial repair of a foundation. Applications determined by the building official to constitute substantial repair of a foundation shall require all existing portions of the entire building or structure to meet the requirements of 780 CMR. [As amended by MA in 9th Edition BC]

VARIANCE - A grant of relief by a community from the terms of a flood plain management regulation. [US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 59]

VIOLATION - The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community's flood plain management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 60, §60.3(b)(5), (c)(4), (c)(10), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4), or (e)(5) is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided. [US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 59]

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C. Scope, and Authority and Delineation of District.The Floodplain Overlay District is herein established as an overlay district. The District includes all special flood hazard areas designated within Abington on the Plymouth County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program, dated July 6, 2021. The exact boundaries of the District shall be defined by the 1%-chance base flood elevations shown on the FIRM and further defined by the Plymouth County Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report dated July 6, 2021 and any amendments thereto. The FIRM and FIS report are incorporated herein by reference and are on file with the Town Clerk.

Any Use, Structure or Development permitted in the portions of the District so overlaid shall be permitted subject to the provisions of this District, as well as those of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), the State Wetland Protection Act (G.L. c. 131, § 40) and its implementing Regulations (310 CMR 10.00 et seq.) dealing with construction in floodplains. The floodplain management regulations found in this Floodplain Overlay District section shall take precedence over any less restrictive conflicting local laws, ordinances, or codes.

D. Determination of Applicability. Whenever an application is made for a building permit on land which the Building Inspector believes a proposed Development may be situated partially or completely in the Flood Plain and Wetlands Protection District, he shall require that the applicant provide as part of his permit application a plan of the lot on which such Development is intended to be built. The plan shall show elevations above mean sea level at two-foot contour levels, indicating the bench marks used and certified by a registered land surveyor or registered engineer. The Inspector shall transmit one copy of this plan to the Conservation Commission who shall review said plan and provide written interpretation within 14 days of receipt of said plan to the applicant, Building Inspector, and Board. If the Building Inspector determines that the proposed construction or alteration of the land is not in the Flood Plain and Wetlands Protection District, he shall so advise the applicant who may then apply for a building permit as set forth in § 175-76. If the Building Inspector determines that the proposed construction or alteration of the land is in the Flood Plain and Wetlands District, the Inspector shall notify the applicant who may then seek a special permit for the proposed use as set forth below.

E. District Administration.

1. Floodplain Administrator - The Town of Abington hereby designates the position of the Building Commissioner to be the official floodplain administrator for the Town.

2. Requirement to submit new technical data

If the Town acquires data that changes the base flood elevation in the FEMA mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, the Town will, within 6 months, notify FEMA of these changes by submitting the technical or scientific data that supports the change(s.) Notification shall be submitted to:

FEMA Region I Risk Analysis Branch Chief99 High St., 6th floor, Boston, MA 02110

And copy of notification to:Massachusetts NFIP State CoordinatorMA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation, 251 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114

F. Permitted uses. See § 175-21.

G. Prohibited uses. See § 175-21.

H. Flood plain requirements. The following requirements shall be satisfied in the Flood Plain and Wetlands Protection District:

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(1) In Zones A and AE, along watercourses that have not had a regulatory floodway designated, the best available Federal, State, local, or other floodway data shall be used to prohibit encroachments in floodways which would result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.

(2) In Zone AE, along watercourses within the Town of Abington that have a regulatory floodway designated on the Plymouth County FIRM, encroachments shall be and are prohibited in the regulatory floodway which would result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.

(3) Within Zones A and AE, no new construction, substantial improvement to an existing structure, filing, or other land development shall be permitted unless it is demonstrated by the applicant that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, shall not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood.

(4) Floodway encroachment. In Zones A, A1-30, and AE, along watercourses that have not had a regulatory floodway designated, the best available Federal, State, local, or other floodway data shall be used to prohibit encroachments in floodways which would result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge unless certification by a registered professional engineer is provided by the applicant demonstrating that such encroachment shall not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the one-hundred-year flood. Any encroachment meeting the above standard shall comply with the floodplain requirements of the State Building Code

(5) Recreational vehicles. In A1-30, AH, AE Zones, V1-30, VE, and V Zones, all recreational vehicles to be placed on a site must be elevated and anchored in accordance with the zone’s regulations for foundation and elevation requirements or be on the site for less than 180 consecutive days or be fully licensed and highway ready.

(6) All subdivision proposals shall be designed to assure that:(a) Each such proposal shall minimize potential flood damage;(b) All public utilities and facilities shall be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate potential flood

damage; and(c) Adequate stormwater drainage controls shall be provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.

(7) Base flood elevation data shall be required and provided for subdivision proposals or other developments greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is the lesser, within unnumbered A zones.

(8) In a riverine situation, the applicant and Chairperson of the Conservation Commission and/or his/her designee shall notify the following of any alteration or relocation of a watercourse:

(a) Planning Board for each Adjacent Community(b) NFIP State Coordinator

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation251 Causeway Street, Suite 600-700Boston, MA 02114-2104

(c) NFIP Program SpecialistFederal Emergency Management Agency, Region I99 High Street, 6th FloorBoston, MA 02110

I. Special permits.

(1) For any land that is not within a Special Flood Hazard Area as shown under the FIRM and the FIS, but that is shown on the Town's 1976 Flood Plain Zoning Map to be within the flood plain, a landowner may apply to the Board for a special permit exception from inclusion in the Flood Plain and Wetland District and shall be eligible for such a special permit if the Board finds that the subject land is not in fact subject to seasonal or periodic flooding and if the proposed development is consistent with the purpose of this Bylaw, the Board may grant, after

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a public hearing with due notice, a special permit for the use of such land and for the construction and erection of a building or structure for any purpose permitted in the underlying district subject to reasonable conditions and safeguards.

(2) The application for a special permit exception shall include a site plan which shall include the items set forth in § 175-77B(5) and other engineering and hydrological data that the Board finds necessary.

(3) The application for a special permit exception shall include an environmental impact statement prepared by an environmentally qualified registered professional engineer. This statement shall describe the impact of the proposed use with respect to drainage, sewage, groundwater, surface water pollution, and other parameters as specified by the Board.

(4) The Board may waive some of the requirements of the site plan and/or the environmental impact statement where it determines that the probable impact upon the physical environment of the proposed use is to be minimal and that the technical data or a plan and/or environmental impact statement is not necessary to its consideration of the application. Because of the substantial scope, substance and impact of such projects, a waiver will not generally be granted where the proposed use involves a subdivision of land pursuant to Sections 81K — 81GG of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, a proposed site plan for construction of multiple family housing, or a proposed business, industrial, transportation or institutional use.

(5) The applicant shall provide the Board with an original and 10 copies of the application and any plan and/or environmental impact statement required by the Board. The Board will forward one copy of each to the Building Inspector, Conservation Commission, Board of Health, Department of Public Works, and other Town board or department deemed appropriate by the Board. These agencies may file written advisory reports with the Board within 30 days. The Board shall not grant approval of an application for an exception until these advisory reports have been received or until expiration of the said thirty-day period.

J. Requirements for all projects in the Flood Plain and Wetlands Protection District.

(1) Building Permits. The following uses are permitted by right since they create a minimal risk of damage due to flooding and will not constitute obstructions to flood flow, provided that they are permitted in the underlying district and that they do not require structures, fill or storage of materials or equipment:

(a) Agricultural uses such as farming, grazing, truck farming, and horticulture.

(b) Forestry and nursery uses.

(c) Outdoor recreational uses, including fishing, boating and play areas.

(d) Conservation of water, plants and wildlife.

(e) Wildlife management areas; foot, bicycle, and horse paths.

(f) Temporary nonresidential structures used in connection with fishing, growing, harvesting, storage, or sale of crops raised on the premises.

(g) Buildings lawfully existing prior to the adoption of these provisions, namely May 24, 2021

(2) The Floodplain Overlay District is established as an overlay district to all other districts.All development in the District, including structural and non-structural activities, whether permitted by right or by Special Permit must be in full compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations, including, but not limited to the following:

(a) MGL c. 131, § 40;(b) 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code), in its entirety, including the portions that address

floodplain and coastal high hazard areas;

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(c) 310 CMR 10.00 [Wetlands Protection Regulations, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)];(d) 310 CMR 13.00 (Inland Wetlands Restriction, DEP); and(e) 310 CMR 15 (Title 5, Minimum Requirements for the Subsurface Disposal of Sanitary Sewage, DEP).

(3) Commonwealth of Massachusetts Variances to building code. The Town will request from the State Building Code Appeals Board a written and/or audible copy of the portion of the hearing related to the variance and will maintain this record in the community’s files. The Town shall also issue a letter to the property owner regarding potential impacts to the annual premiums for the flood insurance policy covering that property, in writing over the signature of a community official that the issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage and (ii) such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property. Such notification shall be maintained with the record of all variance actions for the referenced development in the floodplain overlay district.

(4) Abington Zoning Bylaw Variances. A variance from these floodplain bylaws must meet the requirements set out in §175-82(D)(3) and in addition, may only be granted if: 1) Good and sufficient cause and exceptional demonstrated non-financial hardship exist; 2) the variance will not result in additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, or fraud or victimization of the public; and 3) the variance is the minimum action necessary to afford relief.

K. Permits are required for all proposed development in the Floodplain Overlay DistrictThe Town of Abington requires a permit for all proposed construction or other development in the floodplain overlay district, including new construction or changes to existing buildings, placement of manufactured homes, placement of agricultural facilities, fences, sheds, storage facilities or drilling, mining, paving and any other development that might increase flooding or adversely impact flood risks to other properties.

L. Assure that all necessary permits are obtainedThe Town of Abington’s permit review process includes the use of a checklist of all local, state, and federal permits that will be necessary in order to carry out the proposed development in the floodplain overlay district. The proponent must acquire all necessary permits and must submit the completed checklist demonstrating that all necessary permits have been acquired.

M. Unnumbered A ZonesIn A Zones, in the absence of FEMA BFE data and floodway data, the building department will obtain, review and reasonably utilize base flood elevation and floodway data available from a Federal, State, or other source as criteria for requiring new construction, substantial improvements, or other development in Zone A as the basis for elevating residential structures to or above base flood level, for floodproofing or elevating nonresidential structures to or above base flood level, and for prohibiting encroachments in floodways.

N. Enforcement. See §175-80 and §175-81).

O. Disclaimer of liability. The degree of flood protection required by this bylaw is considered reasonable but does not imply total flood protection.

P. Severability. If any section, provision or portion of this bylaw is deemed to be unconstitutional or invalid by a court, the remainder of the ordinance shall be effective.

BY THE PLANNING BOARD

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Article 21 – Zoning Amendment to Add Street Address onto Commercial Signs: To see if the Town will vote to amend Abington Zoning Bylaws § 175-58 SIGNS – General Regulations by adding the following new section:

E. All free-standing signs identifying the property are required to have the physical street address on them to aid public safety agents in time of an emergency. Said street address may be part of or separate from the sign and shall not be included in the calculation of the sign’s area, and the sign cannot obstruct sight lines.

or take any other action relative thereto.BY THE PLANNING BOARD

Article 22 – Zoning Amendment to add “Accessory Apartment” to List of Definitions: To see if the Town will vote to amend Abington Zoning Bylaws §175-4 DEFINITIONS AND WORD USAGE by adding the following definition:

ACCESSORY APARTMENT: See §175-32-(I)



Article 23 – Zoning Amendment to insert reference to Annual In-Law Affidavit: To see if the Town will vote to amend Abington Zoning Bylaws §175-32I(9)(b) entitled “Multi-unit dwellings, apartments, or condominium complexes of 12 residential units or more” by adding the wording shown in bold as follows:

(b) At the beginning of each calendar year, the owner(s) shall file a notarized statement (an annual in-law affidavit) with the Building Inspector listing the name and family relationship of all occupants residing on the premises.



Article 24 – Zoning Amendment to address Lots Transected by Zoning Districts: To see if the Town will vote to amend Abington Zoning Bylaws §175-13 “Lots transected by a district boundary line” by changing maximum distance beyond a zoning district boundary line from 50 feet to 100 feet as follows:

When a lot is transected by a zoning district boundary line, the regulations of the bylaw applicable to the larger part (50% or greater) of such lot may also at the option of the lot owner be deemed to govern in the smaller part up to a maximum distance of 100 feet beyond such zoning district boundary line, provided that the buffer areas required in §175-66 of this bylaw are met.



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Article 25 – Zoning Amendment to delete outdated/irrelevant Note in Use Chart: To see if the Town will vote to delete the note in Section G of Abington Zoning Bylaws §175-21 “Table of Use Regulations” which states:

“NOTE (1) Solid Waste facilities are prohibited in the Technology Business District”



Article 26 – Zoning Amendment to increase Site Plan supervision during construction: To see if the Town will vote to add the following language to the Abington Zoning Bylaws §175-77 “Site Plan Review”, by adding the following two new sections:

D. Design/Field Changes - During the course of construction, if conditions necessitate the material alteration of the approved site plan, the applicant must notify the Planning Board in writing and must have the design changes approved and incorporated into an amended plan, which will require approval by the Board. Failure to do so will result in penalties as outlined in section E.

E. Penalties - Any failure to build in accordance with the approved site plan shall be subject to a penalty determined by the Board commensurate with the need to mitigate the extent of the failure of the applicant to build the project according to the approved plan or to have the applicant completely remove the unapproved work. See §175-80 Enforcement and §175-81 Violations and Penalties.



Article 27 – Zoning Amendment to clarify 50-foot Building Separation Requirement: To see if the Town will vote to amend Abington Zoning Bylaws §175-32D(4) by deleting the language show in strike through and replacing it with the language shown in bold as follows:

D. Dimensional requirements. The dimensional requirements for developments of 12 housing units or more in any zoning district within the Town of Abington require that any building shall be at least:

(1) Sixty feet from any lot line that abuts the proposed development;(2) Sixty feet from any street line;(3) Fifteen feet from any parking area; (4) Fifty feet apart in the event a variance for more than one building on a lot is granted by the

Zoning Board of Appeals; andTo

(4) Fifty feet from any other residential building granted for the site; and, (5) Not more than 35 feet in height.



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Article 28 – Zoning Amendment to reduce Minimum Lot Area in MUPDD Zone: To see if the Town will vote to amend Abington Zoning Bylaws §175-39 Multiple Use Planned Development District, Section D “Tract area and frontage”, by reducing the minimum tract size from the present requirement of 10 acres to 3 acres and to read as follows:

D. Tract area and frontage. The tract shall be in a single or consolidated ownership at the time of application shall be at least 3 acres in size with a minimum of 200 feet of frontage. If the proposed developments are to be subdivided under the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land each resulting lot shall comply with the requirements of this section. All internal driveways providing access to parking areas and buildings shall comply with the design and construction standards of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land, as amended, whether or not the driveway network constitutes a subdivision.



Article 29 – Zoning Amendment to require Multi-Family Variance in HC Zone: To see if the Town will vote to amend Abington Zoning Bylaws §175-21 to allow multi-family housing developments consisting of less than 12 units in the Highway Commercial Zone only with a variance. Multi-family housing 12 units and greater would be allowed in Highway Commercial Zone with a Special Permit as shown below

Principal Uses Zoning Districts R-20 R-30 R-40 GC HC I BD FW CBD TOD TC MUPDD

(4) Multi-unit dwellings <12 units SP N N N N N N SP SP SP SP SP

(4a) Multi-unit dwellings >12 units SP N N N SP N N SP SP SP SP SP



Article 30 – Zoning Amendment to require Enhanced Streetscape Design: To see if the Town will vote to amend Abington Zoning Bylaws §175-77C “Site plan review and approval” by adding subsection §175-77C(2)(h) as follows:

(h) Structures facing streets: Structures with main entrances/fronts facing away from the street shall incorporate additional architectural and landscaping details along the street front to improve the streetscape. If the structure is not visible from the street the applicant may request a waiver.



Article 31 – Zoning Amendment to update regulation of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town’s Zoning Bylaws, Section 175-24.1, entitled, “Special requirements for registered marijuana dispensaries” by deleting the stricken text and inserting the underlined text as follows:

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§ 175-24.1. Special requirements for registered marijuana dispensaries medical marijuana treatment centers.

A. Purposes.

(1) To provide for the establishment of registered marijuana dispensary (RMD) medical marijuana treatment centers (MTCs), as defined by Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Cannabis Control Commission regulations, 105 CMR 725.000 935 CMR 501.000, et seq. , in appropriate places and under strict conditions and in accordance with the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana Act, MGL c. 94C, App. 1-I, as approved by the voters on the November 2012 state ballot (the Act).

(2) To minimize the adverse impacts of RMD MTCs on adjacent properties, residential neighborhoods, schools and other places where children congregate, local historic districts, and other land uses potentially incompatible with said dispensaries.

(3) To regulate the siting, design, placement, security, safety, monitoring, modification, and removal of RMD MTCs.

B. Applicability.

(1) The commercial cultivation, unless it meets the requirements for an agricultural exemption under MGL c. 40A, § 3, production, processing, assembly, packaging, retail or wholesale sale, trade, distribution or dispensing of marijuana for medical use is prohibited unless a special permit for the RMD MTC is issued under this section.

(2) No RMD MTC shall be permitted established except in compliance with the provisions of this section.(3) Nothing in this Bylaw shall be construed to supersede federal and state laws governing the sale and

distribution of narcotic drugs.(4) If any provision of this section or the application of any such provision to any person or circumstance

shall be held invalid, the remainder of this section, to the extent it can be given effect, or the application of those provisions to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby, and to this end the provisions of this section are severable.

C. Definitions.MARIJUANA

The same substance defined as "marijuana" under MGL c. 94C.MARIJUANA FOR MEDICAL USE

Marijuana that is designated and restricted for use by, and for the benefit of, qualifying patients Registered Qualifying Patients in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions as set forth in the Act and DPH regulations accordance with in compliance with M.G.L. c. 94I, and 935 CMR 501.000.

MIPS - MARIJUANA INFUSED PRODUCTAs defined in the DPH regulations. A Marijuana Product infused with Marijuana that is intended for use or consumption including, but not limited to, Edibles, ointments, aerosols, oils, and Tinctures. A Marijuana-infused Product (MIP), when created or sold by a Marijuana Establishment or an MTC, shall not be considered a food or a drug as defined in M.G.L. c. 94, § 1. MIPs are a type of Marijuana Product.

REGISTERED MARIJUANA DISPENSARY MEDICAL MARIJUANA TREATMENT CENTERA "medical marijuana treatment center" to mean a not-for-profit entity, as defined by DPH regulations, 105 CMR 725.00, only, registered under this law, that acquires, cultivates, possesses, processes (including development of related products such as food, tinctures, aerosols, oils, or ointments), transfers, transports, sells, distributes, dispenses, or administers marijuana, products containing marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to qualifying patients or their personal caregivers. These dispensaries shall be wholly located inside a structure or building.

Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC), formerly known as a Registered Marijuana Dispensary), means an entity licensed under 935 CMR 501.101 that acquires, cultivates,

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possesses, Processes (including development of related products such as Edibles, MIPs, Tinctures, aerosols, oils, or ointments), Repackages, transports, sells, distributes, delivers, dispenses, or administers Marijuana, products containing Marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to Registered Qualifying Patients or their Personal Caregivers for medical use.

D. Eligible locations for registered marijuana dispensaries.(1) RMDs MTCs, other than agricultural operations meeting exemption standards under MGL c. 40A, § 3,

may be allowed in the HC, 1, and TB Zoning Districts by special permit from the Abington Planning Board provided the RMD meets the requirements of this section.

E. General requirements and conditions for all registered marijuana dispensaries MTCs.(1) All non-exempt RMD MTCs shall be contained wholly within a building or structure.(2) No RMD MTC shall have a gross floor area of less than 2,500 square feet or in excess of 20,000 square

feet.(3) A RMD MTC shall not be located in buildings that contain any medical doctor's offices or the offices of

any other professional practitioner authorized to prescribe the use of marijuana for medical use.(4) The hours of operation of RMDs MTCs shall be set by the special permit granting authority, but in no

event shall a RMD MTC be open for retail business between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.(5) No smoking, burning or consumption of any product containing marijuana or marijuana-related products

shall be permitted on the premises of a RMD MTC.(6) No RMD MTC shall be located inside a building containing residential units, including transient housing

such as motels and dormitories, or inside a movable or mobile structure such as a van, truck or mobile home.

(7) RMDs MTCs shall provide the Abington Police Department, Building Commissioner and the special permit granting authority with the names, phone numbers and email addresses of all management staff and key holders to whom one can provide notice if there are operating problems associated with the RMD MTC.

(8) All RMDs MTCs shall be located 500 feet away from the nearest boundary line of any residential zoning district or from the nearest property line of any residential use and 1,000 feet away from places where children congregate, including but not limited to: schools, day cares, dance schools, private home housing day care, Town parks, any areas that children commonly congregate in a structured, scheduled manner or any principal or accessory private recreational facility use.

(9) No RMD MTC shall be located within 500 feet of the nearest property line of any public or municipal building.

(10) No RMD MTC shall be located within 500 feet of the nearest property line of any church or other religious facility.

(11) No RMD MTC shall be located within 500 feet from the nearest property line of any family day care center, nursing home or hospital.

(12) No RMD MTC shall be located within 1,000 feet from another RMD MTC.(13) The distances under this section shall be measured in a straight line from the geometric center of

the Marijuana Establishment Entrance to the geometric center of the above mentioned uses, unless there is an Impassable Barrier, as defined by 935 CMR 500.002, within those 500 feet; in these cases, the buffer zone distance shall be measured along the center of the shortest publicly accessible pedestrian travel path from the geometric center of the Marijuana Establishment Entrance to the geometric center of the above uses.

(14) Annual reporting. Each MTC permitted under this Bylaw shall, as a condition of its special permit, file an annual report to and appear before the special permit granting authority and the Town Clerk no later than January 31, providing a copy of all current applicable state licenses for the dispensary MTC and/or its owners and demonstrate continued compliance with the conditions of the special permit.

F. Special permit requirements.

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(1) A RMD MTC shall only be allowed by special permit from the Abington Planning Board in accordance with MGL c. 40A, § 9, subject to the following additional requirements, conditions and limitations.

(2) A special permit for a RMD shall be limited to one or more of the following uses that shall be prescribed by the special permit granting authority:

(a) Cultivation of marijuana for medical use (horticulture) except that sites protected under MGL c. 40A, § 3, shall not require a special permit;

(b) Processing and packaging of marijuana for medical use, including marijuana that is in the form of smoking materials, food products, oils, aerosols, ointments, and other products;

(c) Retail sale or distribution of marijuana for medical use to qualifying patients;(2) (3) In addition to the application requirements set forth in Subsections E and F of this Bylaw, a special

permit application for a RMD MTC shall include the following:(a) The name and address of each owner, operator, manager, proprietor or person in charge of the

RMD MTC;(b) Copies of all required licenses and permits issued to the applicant by the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts and any of its agencies for the RMD MTC;(c) Evidence of the applicant's right to use the site of the RMD MTC for the RMD MTC, such as a

deed, or lease;(3) (4) If the applicant is a business organization, a statement under oath disclosing all of its owners,

shareholders, partners, members, managers, directors, officers, or other similarly situated individuals and entities and their addresses. If any of the above are entities rather than persons, the applicant must disclose the identity of the owners of such entities until the disclosure contains the names of individuals.

(a) A certified list of all parties in interest entitled to notice of the hearing for the special permit application, taken from the most recent tax list of the town and certified by the Town Assessor;

(b) Proposed security measures for the RMD MTC, including lighting, fencing, gates and alarms, and the like, to ensure the safety of persons and to protect the premises from theft.

G. Mandatory findings. The special permit authority shall not issue a special permit for a registered marijuana dispensary MTC unless it finds that:(1) The RMD MTC is designed to minimize any adverse visual or economic impacts on abutters and other

parties in interest, as defined in MGL c. 40A, § 11;(2) The RMD MTC demonstrates that it will meet all the permitting requirements of all applicable agencies

within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and will be in compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations; and

(3) The Applicant has satisfied all of the conditions and requirements of Subsection G(3)(a) and (b) herein;(a) Annual reporting. Each RMD MTC permitted under this Bylaw shall, as a condition of its special

permit, file an annual report to and appear before the special permit granting authority and the Town Clerk no later than January 31, providing a copy of all current applicable state licenses for the dispensary MTC and/or its owners and demonstrate continued compliance with the conditions of the special permit.

H. (b) A special permit granted under this section shall have a term limited to the duration of the applicant's ownership of the premises as a RMD MTC. A special permit may be transferred only with the approval of the special permit granting authority in the form of an amendment to the special permit with all information required in this section.

I. H. Abandonment or discontinuance of use.(1) A special permit shall lapse if not exercised within one year of issuance.(2) A RMD MTC shall be required to remove all material, plants equipment and other paraphernalia:

(a) Prior to within [2] months of surrendering its state issued licenses or permits; or(b) Within six months of ceasing operations, whichever comes first.

For purposes of this Bylaw ceasing operations shall mean a Marijuana Establishment that closes and does not transact business for a period greater than 60 days with no substantial action taken to reopen.

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The special permit granting authority may determine that an establishment has ceased to operate based on its actual or apparent termination of operations.

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(3) The Board shall require the applicant to post a bond or other form of security acceptable to the special permit granting authority prior to obtaining a building permit. The purpose of the bond or other security is to cover costs for the removal of the RMD MTC in the event the Town must remove the dispensary MTC. The value of the bond shall be based upon the ability to completely remove all the items and properly clean the RMD MTC at prevailing wages. The value of the bond or other security shall be developed based upon the applicant providing the Planning Board with three written bids to meet the noted requirements. The bond shall be reviewed yearly when the RMD MTC appears before the special permit granting authority to ensure that adequate funds are still being held. The RMD MTC is responsible for providing updated bids that meet the noted requirements.

J. I. Signs, marketing and advertising requirements: Signage, marketing and advertising shall be compliant with the Town of Abington Zoning Bylaw, and DPH regulations found in 105 CMR 725.105(L) 1-8 935 CMR 501.105 and the following:(1) A RMD MTC may develop a logo to be used in labeling, signage, and other materials .; provided

however, that use Use of medical symbols, images of marijuana or marijuana products, or related paraphernalia images, that are appealing to persons younger than 21 years old, and colloquial references to cannabis and marijuana are prohibited from use in signs the brand name.

(2) RMD MTC external signage shall not be illuminated except for a period of 30 minutes before sundown until closing and shall comply with local requirements regarding signage. Neon signage is prohibited at all times.

(3) A RMD shall not display on the exterior of the facility, signs or other printed material advertisements for marijuana or any brand name, and may only identify the building by the registered name.

(4) A RMD MTC shall not utilize graphics related to marijuana or paraphernalia on the exterior of the RMD MTC or the building in which the RMD MTC is located.

(5) A RMD MTC shall not advertise the price of marijuana, MIPs, and associated products, except that it shall provide a catalogue or a printed list of the prices and strains of marijuana available at the RMD to registered qualifying patients and personal caregivers upon request except as permitted pursuant to 935 CMR 501.105(4)(a)5.

(6) Marijuana, MIPs, and associated products shall not be displayed or clearly visible from the exterior of a RMD MTC.

(7) A RMD shall not produce any items for sale or promotional gifts, such as T-shirts or novelty items, bearing a symbol of or references to marijuana or MIPs, including the logo of the RMD. A MTC shall not advertise solely for the promotion of marijuana or marijuana products on MTC Branded Goods including, but not limited to, clothing, cups, drink holders, apparel, accessories, electronic equipment or accessories, sporting equipment, novelty items and similar portable promotional items. A MTC may not give away any marijuana except as required pursuant to 935 CMR 501.050(1)(g).

(8) All advertising materials and materials produced by a RMD and disseminated pursuant to 105 CMR 725.105 (K) or (L) are prohibited from including:

(a) Any statement, design, representation, picture, or illustration that encourages or represents the use of marijuana, MIPs or associated products for any purpose other than to treat a debilitating medical condition or related symptoms;

(b) Any statement, design, representation, picture, or illustration that encourages or represents the recreational use of marijuana, MIPS or associated products.

(c) Any statement, design, representation, picture, or illustration related to the safety or efficacy of marijuana unless supported by substantial evidence or substantial clinical data with reasonable scientific rigor, which shall be made available upon the request of a registrant or the Department; or

(d) Any statement, design, representation, picture, or illustration portraying anyone under 18 years of age.

(9) Inside the RMD, a All marijuana at the MTC shall be kept in a limited access area inaccessible to any persons other than dispensary agents with the exception of displays allowable under 105 CMR 725.105 (L)(10). Inside the RMD, all marijuana and shall be stored in a locked access controlled space in a limited access area during nonbusiness hours, in accordance with 935 CMR 501.000, et seq .

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(10) An RMD MTC may display, in secure, locked cases, no more than one samples of each product offered for sale, subject to the requirements of 935 CMR 501.110. These display cases may be transparent.

Signage for the registered marijuana dispensary shall include the following language: "Registration card issued by the MA Department of Public Health required. Entrance shall be limited to Qualifying Patients, Caregivers and persons 21 years of age or older." The required text shall be a minimum of two inches in height.



Article 32 – Zoning Amendment to update Marijuana Overlay District bylaw per state regulations: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town’s Zoning Bylaws, Subsections C, D, and E of Section 175-24.3, entitled, “Marijuana Overlay District” by deleting the stricken text and inserting the underlined text as follows:

C. Definitions. Where not expressly defined in the Zoning Bylaws, terms used in the MOD Bylaw shall be interpreted as defined in MGL c. 94I and MGL c. 94G and any regulations issued by the Cannabis Control Commission implementing these laws, and otherwise by their plain language.

DELIVERY LICENSEE

Either a Marijuana Courier or a Marijuana Delivery Operator authorized to deliver marijuana and marijuana products directly to consumers and as permitted, marijuana couriers to patients and caregivers.

INDEPENDENT TESTING LABORATORY

Means a laboratory that is licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000 with respect to the regulation of the adult use of marijuana that is: (i) accredited to the most current International Organization for Standardization 17025 by a third-party accrediting body that is a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Accrediting Cooperation mutual recognition arrangement or that is otherwise approved by the Commission; (ii) independent financially from any medical marijuana treatment center or any licensee or marijuana establishment for which it conducts a test; and (iii) qualified to test marijuana in compliance with 935 CMR 500.160 and MGL c. 94C, § 34.

MARIJUANA COURIER

An entity licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission, pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000, to deliver finished marijuana products, marijuana accessories and branded goods directly to consumers from a marijuana retailer, or directly to registered qualifying patients or caregivers from a MTC, but is not authorized to sell marijuana or marijuana products directly to consumers, registered qualifying patients or caregivers and is not authorized to wholesale, warehouse, process, repackage, or white label. A Marijuana Courier is an additional license type under M.G.L. c. 94g, § 4(b)(1) that allows for limited delivery of marijuana or marijuana products to Consumers; and shall not be considered to be a Marijuana Retailer under 935 CMR 500.002 or 500.050 and shall be subject to 935 CMR 500.050(1)(b).

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MARIJUANA CULTIVATOR

Means an entity licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000 with respect to the regulation of the adult use of marijuana to cultivate, process and package marijuana, to deliver marijuana to marijuana establishments and to transfer marijuana to other marijuana establishments, but not to consumers.

MARIJUANA DELIVERY-ONLY RETAILER OPERATOR

Means an entity licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000 with respect to the regulation of the adult use of marijuana that does not provide a retail location accessible to the public, but is authorized to deliver directly from a marijuana cultivator facility, craft marijuana cultivator cooperative facility, marijuana product manufacturer facility, or micro-business. Means an entity licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission, pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000, to purchase at wholesale and warehouse finished marijuana products acquired from a marijuana cultivator, marijuana product manufacturer, microbusiness or craft marijuana cooperative, and white label, sell and deliver finished marijuana products, marijuana accessories and marijuana branded goods directly to consumers, but is not authorized to repackage marijuana or marijuana products or operate a storefront under this license. A Delivery Operator is an additional license type under M.G.L. c. 94G, § 4(b)(1) that allows for limited delivery of Marijuana or Marijuana Products to Consumers; and shall not be considered to be a Marijuana Retailer under 935 CMR 500.002 or 500.050 and shall be subject to 935 CMR 500.050(1)(b).

MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENT

Means a marijuana cultivator, craft marijuana cooperative, marijuana microbusiness independent testing laboratory, marijuana product manufacturer, marijuana retailer, marijuana transporter, delivery licensee, marijuana research facility licensee, social consumption establishment, or any other type of marijuana-related business licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000 with respect to the regulation of the adult use of marijuana. A Marijuana Establishment shall not mean a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC).

MARIJUANA PRODUCT MANUFACTURER

Means an entity licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000 with respect to the regulation of the adult use of marijuana to obtain, manufacture, process and package marijuana and marijuana products, to deliver marijuana and marijuana products to marijuana establishments and to transfer marijuana and marijuana products to other marijuana establishments, but not to consumers.

MARIJUANA RETAILER

Means an entity licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission pursuant to 935 CMR 500.000 with respect to the regulation of the adult use of marijuana to purchase, repackage, white label, and deliver transport marijuana and marijuana products from marijuana establishments and to deliver, sell or otherwise transfer marijuana and marijuana products to marijuana establishments and to consumers. Unless licensed, retailers are prohibited from offering marijuana or marijuana products for the purposes of on-site social consumption on the premises of a marijuana establishment.

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA TREATMENT CENTER

Means an entity licensed by the Department of Public Health or the Cannabis Control Commission under 935 CMR 501.101 a medical use marijuana license that acquires, cultivates, possesses, processes, repackages, transfers, transports, sells, distributes, delivers, dispenses, or administers marijuana, products containing marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials for the benefit of to registered qualifying patients or their personal caregivers in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions or the symptoms thereof for medical use.

D. Number of licenses: The number of recreational marijuana retailers and/or recreational marijuana delivery-only retailers permissible to be located in the MOD shall be limited to 50% of the number of licenses issued within the town for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages and not to be drunk on the premises where sold pursuant to MGL c. 138 § 15. In the event that the 50% of said issued licenses shall not be in a whole number, the limit shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

E. Location and dimensional controls.(1) Marijuana establishments may be permitted in the MOD pursuant to a special permit and site plan

approval by the Planning Board.(2) Marijuana establishments may not be located within 500 feet of the following pre-existing uses:

(a) Public or private school providing education in kindergarten or grades 1 through 12;(b) State-licensed child-care facility;(c) Library, playground, public park, public beach, youth center; or similar facility in which

minors commonly congregate.(d) The distance under this section shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of

the property line of the protected uses identified above to the nearest point of the property line of the proposed marijuana establishment the geometric center of the Marijuana Establishment Entrance to the geometric center of the above pre-existing uses, unless there is an Impassable Barrier, as defined by 935 CMR 500.002, within those 500 feet; in these cases, the buffer zone distance shall be measured along the center of the shortest publicly accessible pedestrian travel path from the geometric center of the Marijuana Establishment Entrance to the geometric center of the above pre-existing uses.

(3) Marijuana c ultivation and processing facilities product manufacturing establishments located within the MOD shall be separated from adjacent uses by a fifty-foot buffer strip, unless the applicant can demonstrate, and the Planning Board finds, that adequate buffering can be provided in a narrower buffer strip.

(4) Marijuana establishments, with the exception of delivery licensees, shall be located only in a permanent building and not within any mobile facility. All sales shall be conducted either within the building or by home delivery pursuant to applicable state regulations.

(5) Unless explicitly stated otherwise, marijuana establishments shall conform to the dimensional requirements applicable to nonresidential uses within the underlying zoning district.

(6) All marijuana establishments shall conform to the signage requirements of Article IX of the Zoning Bylaw. The Planning Board may impose additional restrictions on signage, as appropriate, to mitigate any aesthetic impacts.

(7) Marijuana deliveries shall not occur in the Town of Abington between the hours of 9 P.M. and 8 A.M. All deliveries shall be completed before 9 P.M.

or take any other action relative thereto. BY THE PLANNING BOARD

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Article 33 – Citizens’ Petition to Dedicate and Rename Town Buildings: Chapter 39, Section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws: Will the residents of Abington vote to dedicate the Abington Police Station, Abington Highway Barn, basketball courts and street hockey rinks as “The Sergeant Alex Kokoros Municipal Complex” in honor of the late Sergeant Alex Kokoros.

By Petition

Article 34 – Citizens’ Petition to Dedicate and Rename Middle/High School: Chapter 39, Section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws: Will the residents of Abington vote to dedicate the Abington Middle/High School as “The Sergeant Alex Kokoros Municipal Complex” in honor of the late Sergeant Alex Kokoros.

By Petition

Article 35 – Citizens’ Petition to Remove Fire Chief Position from Civil Service: Chapter 39, Section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws: Will the residents of Abington vote to remove the Abington Fire Chief from the current civil service position held, in order to keep continuity between the public safety Chiefs as the Police Chief is not civil service.

By Petition

Article 36 – Citizens’ Petition to Require Withdrawal from Regional Police Dispatch Agreement: Chapter 39, Section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws: Will the residents of Abington vote to withdraw from the agreement made with Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center and continue to utilize the current Abington Police department communications center located at the Abington Police Station.

By Petition

Article 37 – Citizens’ Petition to Adopt Military Leave Statute: Chapter 39, Section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws: Will the residents of Abington vote to approve Massachusetts Law Title V Chapter 33 Section 59: Effect of Military Service on Salary, Seniority and Leave Allowances of Public Employees or any other act/law relative to military leave for town employees. Please see the provided law for further information.

By Petition

Thank you for attending Town MeetingShawn P. Reilly, Town Moderator

Leanne M. Adams, Town Clerk

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· web view: to see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available...

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