Vedi Naturals is seeking a special permit to open a recreational marijuana dispenary at the Twin Boro Crossing plaza on Rte. 20.

MARLBOROUGH – A recreational marijuana shop proposed for a Rte. 20 shopping center is not expected to significantly increase traffic, company officials say.

Vedi Naturals is seeking a special permit to open a 2,350-square-foot shop at the Twin Boro Crossing plaza on Boston Post Road West. The plaza is within a recreational and medical marijuana regulated zone, which on Rte. 20 extends from the Northborough line to Interstate 495 on the city’s west side and from the Sudbury line to Phelps Street on the city’s east side.

The company conducted a traffic study in February. Trip generation estimates for Vedi Naturals proposal were made by observing two existing marijuana dispensaries – Caroline’s Cannabis in Uxbridge and Garden Remedies on Marlborough’s east side. That data determined about 70 trips – 35 entering and 35 exiting – would occur during weekday evening peak hours and 86 trips – 43 entering and 43 exiting – would occur during the Saturday peak hour.

The company cited a study done on a proposed marijuana dispensary in Franklin that estimated trip counts would be 126 trips – 63 entering and 63 exiting – during the peak weekday hour and 66 trips – 33 entering and 33 exiting – during the Saturday peak hour.

“Based on a conservative use of the trip generation estimates (i.e., using observed trip generation rates for weekday afternoon trips and ITE data for Saturday midday trips), the additional vehicle trips associated with the project would not be expected to have a noticeable impact to the operations along Boston Post Road West (Rte. 20) or Boundary Street,” the report reads.

Residents at a public hearing earlier this year said they were concerned about the additional traffic the shop would bring. Residents said traffic on Boundary Street backs up considerably at the intersection of Rte. 20 during peak times.

Brian Falk, attorney representing Vedi Naturals, said traffic will be minimal.

The shopping center has 78 parking spaces and only 65 are required by zoning. Falk anticipates the shop will use 10 to 20 spaces at any time.

Urban Affairs Committee members tabled the discussion Wednesday, but anticipate voting on the proposal later.

Vedi Naturals is seeking to be the city’s second marijuana dispensary. Garden Remedies opened in June at the Marlboro Square plaza at 416 Boston Post Road East. The Fitchburg company began selling adult-use marijuana last June and medical marijuana in September.

Jigar Patel, founder and CEO of Vedi Naturals, said in a past interview the city has the ability to support two recreational marijuana shops. He said he is excited to provide a holistic approach to marijuana and expects to hire a qualified holistic wellness coach.

The shop is expected to bring the city about $300,000 in annual tax revenue, which committee members said is needed, especially with the financial strain caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“Revenue is a factor let’s not kid ourselves,” said Urban Affairs Committee member Donald Landers.

Committee member David Doucette said the shop could be a gateway for more stores to come into the plaza.

“This store has an opportunity to be an anchor for that plaza,” he said.

Jeff Malachowski can be reached at 508-490-7466 or jmalachowski@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JmalachowskiMW.