The Hubbardston Planning Board held a public hearing on February 6, 2025, to discuss a special permit application for the expansion of a commercial marijuana facility operated by Bowie Bertold Paper Crane Provisions LLC. However, the board announced that the hearing would be continued rather than concluded, as the applicant requested additional time to finalize a host community agreement with local officials.

During the meeting, board members acknowledged the procedural necessity of continuing the hearing, which is required by Massachusetts law to ensure proper review and decision-making. The applicant's request to pause the application process was made shortly after the public hearing was announced, prompting the board to proceed with the meeting while allowing for further discussions between the applicant and town officials.

Planning Board staff indicated that the timeline for the application review is not expected to be lengthy. They recommended extending the public hearing to the board's next meeting on March 20, 2025. This extension will provide the applicant sufficient time to either proceed with the application or withdraw it without prejudice, allowing for a potential resubmission in the future.

The board emphasized the importance of maintaining clear communication with the applicant, who is expected to notify the board at least 14 days prior to the March meeting regarding their intentions. This will ensure that the necessary engineering reviews and preparations can be made in a timely manner.

The decision to continue the hearing reflects the board's commitment to thorough and transparent governance, ensuring that all community concerns are addressed before any final decisions are made regarding the facility's expansion. The next steps will be crucial for both the applicant and the community as they navigate the complexities of local regulations and development needs.