By Michael Bonner / mbonner@s-t.com
Posted Oct 1, 2018 at 8:41 PM
Updated Oct 2, 2018 at 1:06 PM
NEW BEDFORD — Nicholas Gomes’ family helped build this city. His grandfather, born in 1925 in the South End, started his construction company after returning from World War II. Some of the brick buildings erected in the 1960s, Gomes credits to the hands of his grandfather.
Today, Gomes’ brother continues that tradition with his own construction company.
Wanting to follow his family’s lineage, Gomes, too, wants to build the city, not with bricks and mortar, but with opportunity. The first of October brings the ability for entrepreneurs and investors to file applications to obtain host agreements with the city regarding recreational marijuana.
“We are a craft company owned and operated by local individuals who are passionate about cannabis — and the beneficial uses — and are
passionate about where we live,” Gomes said. “We are trying to combined that passion and motivation to turn the city of New Bedford into a upward trajectory of success for everyone.”
Gomes’ company with his partner is Old Soul Gardens, which filed a 53-page document outlining its plans to operate a craft marijuana establishment in New Bedford during a City Council meeting last month.
The pitch to the city included a possible location at 95-127 West Rodney French Boulevard, but Gomes said the company is considering other locations, too. He said he wants to work with the city to determine the best spot for Old Soul Gardens.
Many hurdles remain ahead, though. After the application is filed, which includes a business plan, plans for community investment, employment goals, then zoning requirements must be satisfied before the city and prospective business could even reach a host agreement. The City Council would have to ratify the host agreement.The investor could then go to the Cannabis Control Commission for approval. If approved, the organization then goes back to the city for approval from the Health Department.
“There’s still many layers in place that have to happen before someone could open up,” Councilor-at-large and Chair of the Licensing and Zoning for Cannabis Committee Ian Abreu said. Gomes is hopeful Old Soul Gardens, if approved by the city, could open in 3 to 6 months. He wants New Bedford residents to act as the foundation to his company. A website, www.oldsoulgardens.com, is already live and has an employment application for those interested.
“We are going to be inclusive and merit based with an eye towards hiring locals in our community because we believe in those people around us,” Gomes said.
When thinking of New Bedford employees, Gomes again rekindled the lessons his grandfather taught him. “I want to continue that same lineage of keeping families in New Bedford with food on the table just like my grandfather did for all his employees and laborers,” Gomes said. Gomes looked at other locations around Bristol County. Each search landed him back in New Bedford.
An attorney aimed at helping low- to middle-income families, Gomes said he believes Old Soul Gardens can provide aid to all those within the city, beyond just his employees.
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