Kent P&Z reviews unlicensed motor business, cannabis regulations

KENT — On July 11, Kent Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting to discuss the illegal business status of a current applicant seeking an extension to a lot on Bridge Street. The applicant, Guy Mauri and Jason Doornick with Motoriot, failed to achieve certain permits from the Sewer Commission and the Fire Department.

Mortoriot is a vintage car company that sells historical vehicles. For the Bridge Street site, the owners expect to have 15 to 20 cars at a time. There have been issues with plans for the parking lot, in that the amount of spaces for cars is inconsistent across applications to P&Z.

Tai Kern, Land Use Clerk said, “Every month it seems like there’s such great hope that they’re gonna just come in and wrap it up that you’d hate to shut them down.”

Kern said she made it clear to them that after next month, the nature of site plan approvals would leave the applicant with no more room for delay. They will be denied for “lack of information.”

Motoriot has also run into issues with the Sewer Commission. Concerns over the content of the company’s waste is of interest due to the nature of a motor vehicle business.

Currently, the applicant’s business is operating without a state license in Kent. Motoriot has locations in other towns. The Sharon location is also unlicensed.

P&Z member Sarah Chase expressed the commission’s pro-business stance while acknowledging that Motoriot has had a hard time getting approvals.

Kern said she would send the applicant a letter with the commission’s concern, warning a “cease and dismiss order” if the permits are not sorted out. Thus, a motion passed for the extension approval, and the Commision will return to the application next month, Aug. 8.

Kern advised P&Z to reconsider its definition of new cannabis regulations effective July 1, 2024.

The current “very light” definition only addresses retail licenses. Kern suggested expanding the regulations to include manufacturing and farming. She also suggested creating clear distinctions between THC and CBD.

The change will help the commission better regulate the new industry as businesses apply for licensure.