MARIJUANA LAW ON SPRINGFIELD AGENDA

SPRINGFIELD - The last thing Springfield needs is to become the
marijuana-smoking capital of Western Massachusetts, a city councilor
said.

That's partly why there's a meeting today about a new pot-possession
law.

The council Veterans, Administration and Human Services Committee will
discuss the new state marijuana law at 3 p.m. at City Hall in Room
200.

The law has taken effect after voters in November overwhelmingly
approved a ballot question to decriminalize possession of an ounce or
less of marijuana.

The drug is still illegal, but possessing a small amount would bring
only a fine of $100 without an arrest.

Some law enforcement officials believe the new law is unclear and open
to problems. Chicopee Police Chief John R. Ferraro Jr. wants officials
there to establish an ordinance to allow for a $300 fine - on top of
the new law's $100 possession fine - for anyone caught smoking
marijuana in public.

Committee Chairman James J. Ferrera III said Friday his concern was
unless Springfield takes its own action to modify the law, pot smokers
could congregate here if the risk is less than in other
communities.

Another option is to work with other communities on a regional
response to the new law, he said.

He has asked officials from the police and law departments to attend,
he said.

"I want to talk about it, its impact on the city of Springfield. As a
councilor, we have an obligation to create ordinances that can impact
the city," Ferrera said.

City Solicitor Edward M. Pikula said Friday Police Commissioner
William J. Fitchet has requested research on whether the city can
adopt an ordinance - that is, a law at the local level - that would be
stricter than the new state marijuana law.

Assistant City Solicitor Michael E. Mulcahy is studying that and
expected to attend today's meeting, Pikula said.

Under the new state law, people under age 18 caught with an ounce or
less of marijuana also are required to attend drug-awareness classes.

People found with more than an ounce can be arrested and charged with
possession of marijuana.

If the amount is much more than an ounce, the charge could be
possession with intent to distribute. A conviction for either offense
carries a sentence of up to two years in jail.

Also today, the City Council holds it monthly hearings meeting on
special permit and zone change requests at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Cory A. Taylor, of Sunderland, wants a special permit from the council
to run a used-car dealership at 501 St. James Ave. The site is now
occupied by Bean's Auto Glass and St. James Custom Auto Body.

The city Office of Planning and Economic Development has recommended
Taylor get the permit, but with a condition that parking be prohibited
in front of the building because that impedes pedestrian access.

Planners have recommended the council table special permit requests
from Joseph A. Boudreau, of Chicopee, to operate a used-car dealership
and automotive repair shop at 359 Page Blvd.

Concerns are that construction has begun on a building at the site,
but a building permit has yet to be issued, parking is limited and the
site abuts several single- and two-family homes, according to
planners' analysis submitted to the City Council.