NEW BEDFORD - The New Bedford City Council is opting to take it's time rather than rush into a Host Community Agreement with a marijuana cultivation facility.

Mayor Jon Mitchell submitted the agreement with ARL Healthcare, Inc., of Newton for the purpose of operating a medical marijuana cultivation and processing facility in the New Bedford Industrial Park. The council sent the agreement to their Finance Committee for further review.

Councillor at Large Naomi Carney says Mayor Mitchell has been a staunch opponent to a retail dispensary in the city, and thinks hosting a cultivation center may send mixed signals to the public. "I just think that the way it looks, like you don't want to dispense it in your city but you want to grow it to dispense it in other cities? I'm just not ready for that yet and I just want to see what's going on," said Carney.

Ward One City Councillor Jim Oliveira tells WBSM News he has not yet reviewed the agreement, but hopes the administration paid close attention to certain precautions that go along with marijuana cultivation. "....with the foremost issue of security in mind. As I understand with these facilities there is great security and I expect that that will occur as well if, in fact, it gets placed up in the park," said Oliveira.

ARL Healthcare is currently seeking approval from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to operate the facility in the City's industrial park.

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