Marijuana facility at former Springfield Macy’s would bring new life to Eastfield Mall, businessman says

Cannaworld Inc., of Springfield is seeking to open a marijuana business including a retail store, cultivation and manufacturing center at the former Macy's Store at the Eastfield Mall, seen here in file photo.

By Peter Goonan

SPRINGFIELD — Local businessman David Mech told residents on Thursday that his proposal for a marijuana facility at the former Macy’s store on Boston Road would bring new life to Eastfield Mall, new jobs and strong security.

Mech, president of Cannaworld Inc., is proposing a recreational marijuana retail store on the first floor and a marijuana cultivation/manufacturing business on the second floor.

The proposal has the support of Mountain Development Corp., which owns the mall.

Approximately 75 residents attended the community outreach meeting at the mall, including several who raised questions regarding if it could contribute to crime, and if there would be any fire hazard. Mall officials, in response to questions, said that entrances to the Macy’s site for the proposed marijuana business are not yet finalized.

Mech and Charles Breidenbach, managing director for MDC Retail Properties Group, said the new business would bring a great deal more foot traffic to the mall as malls across the nation struggle with keeping anchor stores.

Ward 8 City Councilor Orlando Ramos, who attended the meeting along with Ward 7 Councilor Timothy Allen, said there is a big difference between retail and cultivation, which is why the council is requiring cultivation to be in industrial zones.

"Retail belongs in commercial areas; cultivation belongs in industrial areas," Ramos said. 

"There are some nuisances that come with marijuana cultivation including odor. 

This area is not zoned appropriately for cultivation."

Mech said his group is exploring the possibility of seeking a zone change to allow for that component of the project.

Regarding safety, Mech said that marijuana facilities must comply with very strong state regulations for safety and security including an extensive video camera system both inside and outside the mall.

He and Breidenbach said there is existing security at the mall, with Cannaworld bringing in its own security to make the mall even safer. Regarding fire safety, Bridenbach said the mall has an advanced sprinkler system.

"It seemed people were receptive once we explained what we were doing," Mech said after the meeting. "A lot of fears were allayed."

While some people might question having marijuana sales inside a mall, it presents an ideal location when considering such factors as ample parking, a full traffic light system, and the ability to shop for other goods before and after going to the marijuana store.

Bringing children to the mall is not a problem, but the marijuana facility is highly regulated to prevent anyone under 21 to enter, Mech said. Mall officials said the marijuana facility fits in with its long-range redevelopment plan that includes mixed-used space with offices as well as retail and dining.

A resident asked if there could be crime expanded to the nearby residential area, and Mech responded that studies have shown in other states that crime goes down when a marijuana store opens. He said he would expect property values to go up.

A resident asked if that could be promised in writing, triggering laughter from some residents.

The retail operation will create at least 20 full-time jobs, and the full operation with cultivation and manufacturing would bring more than 120 jobs.

Cannaworld will be applying for city and state approvals soon, including submitting its retail store proposal in early April to a city review committee, Mech said. The City Council is allowing up to 15 retail marijuana stores in the city, and will be ranking proposals.

In response to another question Thursday, Breidenbach said he wants a weekend marketplace at the Macy’s site to continue operations, possibly relocated in the mall.

The proposed Cannaworld business will include a customer education program regarding the various products and services offered, Mech said in a handout at the meeting. 

There will be free access to materials providing information on “marijuana use, holistic healing, research, legality issues and advocacy/activism; the differing strengths of marijuana strains and products; and potential drug-to-drug interactions,” the handout stated in part.