Three cannabis proposals along Mattapan’s Blue Hill Avenue corridor are advancing through the city’s regulatory review process, with The POT in Mattapan Square getting unanimous Boston Cannabis Board (BCB) approval last week.

The POT, fronted by Mattapan natives Dru Ledbetter and Marquis Cohen, appeared at the BCB on Wed., Oct. 19, and received not only the board’s okay but also accolades from commissioners, a recognition that followed a sometimes-contentious community process that ended in a reconciliation recently.

“The location is already problematic, but I think this will work to the benefit of the area. I think it will be to the benefit,” said Commissioner Kathleen Joyce.

Commissioner Lisa Holmes added: “I saw great cooperation between the church (Church of the Holy Spirit), The POT, and Mattapan Square merchants. I would ask they continue to work with the church and the community and continue to be a good neighbor, to maintain that camaraderie.”

Cohen said they were happy to have received the BCB’s nod and were on to the Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA). The group had already been through the ZBA process at a previous site in Mattapan, only to run into problems with the landlord. If approved by the ZBA this time, they would proceed to the state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).

“Growing up as a kid from Mattapan, I’m honored, humbled, and very excited about the opportunity,” said Cohen. “This is a chance to start a business that’s for us, and by us, in a community that I always loved. This is a dream come true. With the community behind us, leading with love, we are blessed to be on this journey.”

In other action, Legacy Underground’s dispensary proposal for 1379 Blue Hill Ave. was the subject of an online community meeting last Thursday. The site is currently the home of Blue Hill Sounds & Gifts and Kings & Kweens Unisex Salon. It sits across the street from the Mattapan Branch Library.

Mattapan native Isaac Hampton, who is now in the real estate business, led the charge with business partners Jon and Kim Napoli. The site would be in a detached building, freestanding, and with 12 parking spaces and a landscaping plan. They envision 10 full-time and 10 part-time workers with a Mattapan preference, and hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with closing at 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Mitigation programs they identified included a resident/senior citizen clean-up program, a seminar on the dangers of cannabis for pregnant women with midwife/doula services offered, and a one percent set-aside of gross profits exclusively for Mattapan organizations and causes.
A traffic study done for the company indicated that new traffic trips would not affect the overall corridor, but residents had concerns about that study.

“Walk Hill Street is one destination where people will come from Milton and other places to get to the colleges and hospitals,” said resident Barbara Crichlow. “I think the traffic study needs to be looked at and re-addressed.”

There is no hearing date set for the company at the BCB. Comments should be emailed to eric.james@boston.gov.

A third dispensary proposal for Mattapan Square at 1589 Blue Hill Ave. next to the Mattapan Neighborhood Health Center will take place online Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. Details of that proposal are not yet available.