When the next book of Abington history is written let it be recorded that former selectman Jim Connolly was the first customer on the first day of Abington’s first legal retail cannabis shop.
After years of preparation and permitting, Bud’s Goods and Provisions opened its doors shortly after 10 a.m. Monday. There were a handful of people waiting outside but the throngs and traffic snarls that marked earlier openings in other communities didn’t materialize.
That’s not to say the opening isn’t a success; the company’s vice president of operations said in an interview last week that opening week at their Worcester shop was slow, but business steadily picked up as word spread. Also, cannabis shops are hampered by strict state rules prohibiting many standard marketing and promotional tactics available to other retail stores.
The newly remodeled retail space drew rave reviews from the early customers.
“It’s awesome. It’s beautiful,” said Marissa Hennebery, an Abington resident. “This is what Abington needed, a little spice.”
Julie Billotte, another Abington resident, said she’s happy she doesn’t have to drive to another town now.
“It’s much easier,” she said, adding she felt the Bud’s staff was “more people friendly.”
Town meeting/budget
Abington’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 is nearly finished and is going to be the subject of multiple conversations this week.
Selectmen Monday night are expected to review and vote on recommendations for the Annual Town Meeting warrant, which includes the budget. The School Committee will review its part of the town budget at its meeting on Tuesday night, which will be broadcast via web. The Finance Committee made most of its final recommendations last week.
The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 24 at 7 p.m. at the Middle/High School Auditorium. Click here to access the warrant. If you don’t go you can’t complain!
Junior class auction
The Abington High School Class of 2022 is holding an auction Thursday to raise money for the junior class fund. It will take place on the lawn in front of the middle/high school building from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. According to an event flyer: “The auction will include music, food, and beverages, raffles, silent and live auctions, with all proceeds benefitting the junior class fund. Items to be auctioned include firepits and outdoor furniture, concert and sporting events tickets, a wide variety of gift cards and gift baskets, and other unique local opportunities.”
Meetings
Griffin’s Dairy Committee, 5:30 p.m., Senior Center. Agenda includes discussions about food truck night, the parking lot, damage to a grass area, the community gardens, Christmas trees, and dumping brush.
Board of Selectmen, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes the Annual Town Meeting warrant, the Summer Street 40B, an update on 267 North Quincy Street, a potential truck ban on Summit Road, a discussion with the town treasurer on the town’s debt obligations, and discussion about the Health Board vacancy.
Tuesday
Abington/Rockland Joint Water Works, 3:30 p.m., via Zoom. The agenda includes a discussion about high consumption billing, a report from the superintendent, and a public comment period.
Conservation Commission, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes discussions about the Summer Street 40B, 1238 Bedford Street, 222 Centre Avenue, and a request from DCR to treat Cleveland Pond at Ames Nowell.
School Committee, 7:30 p.m., Remote Meeting. Agenda features a review of the proposed FY’22 school department budget.
Wednesday
Strawberry Valley Golf Course Committee, 5 p.m., course clubhouse. Agenda includes updates on teebox and bunker improvements, the course capital plan, and a report from the course superintendent.
Thursday
Affordable Housing Trust Committee, 6 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a discussion about the Summer Street 40B.
Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes electing a new board chairman, and public hearings around 154 Brockton Avenue, 211 Lincoln Street, 93 Oak Street, and Cape Cod Lumber.