NORTHAMPTON — Four ordinances drafted to adjust the city’s zoning regulations for recreational marijuana development passed the Northampton City Council in their second reading on Thursday.
The zoning changes mirror the city’s medical marijuana zoning regulations, refining and expanding the definitions of pot operations to accommodate recreational businesses.
The changes have the support of Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz and are now set to become law.
The council also voted on first reading to adopt a 3 percent local sales tax on marijuana, the maximum allowed under state law. The measure was passed unanimously.
Prior to the vote, Councilor-At-Large William Dwight asked Narkewicz what his realistic assessment of the impact of the tax would be on the city’s finances.
“I don’t have a good handle on it,” the mayor said.
However, both he and Dwight expressed their support of the tax, noting that it was a way to raise revenue without increasing property taxes.
“I’m way down with this,” said Dwight.
Narkewicz also said, in response to Ward 2 Councilor Dennis Bidwell, that both Easthampton and Amherst have adopted the 3 percent local option, and that he didn’t think other communities would adopt a lower tax rate.
The measure will have to pass on second reading in order to be adopted.