Whately Select Board Unanimously Endorses Updated ADU Bylaw, Cannabis Transport Agreement

Select Board · Meeting of July 22, 2026

Whately Select Board approves ADU bylaw update and cannabis transport deal in packed July session. The board voted 3-0 on July 22 to endorse revised accessory dwelling unit zoning bylaws that allow construction of units up to 900 square feet by right and up to 1,200 square feet by special permit, bringing the town into conformance with new state law; a public hearing before the Planning Board is set for August 3 and a special town meeting vote is expected in October. The board also unanimously approved a host community agreement with MMM Transport Incorporated, described as the largest marijuana transporter in Massachusetts, which plans to operate at 378 Long Plain Road.

Board of Health Agent Ned briefed members on a proposed ban on Kratom retail sales — including an outright ban on synthetic forms and a one-year moratorium on natural Kratom — with a formal regulation hearing scheduled for August 5. Community member Denise Mason, representing Engage Deerfield, announced an August 30 forum on the Franklin County Technical School's proposed $236 million building project, ahead of a regionwide vote on October 6 that would commit the town to roughly $700,000 per year if approved across the 19-district towns. MassDOT accepted a $21.6 million low bid from Northern Construction Service LLC for the Stillwater Bridge project, with an early-September construction start anticipated.

In the full story:

• Town Administrator Christopher provided several updates
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,713 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of July 22, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.