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Marijuana plants grow at a Minnesota Medical Solutions greenhouse in Otsego, Minn. in May 5, 2015 photo.

(GLEN STUBBE / STAR TRIBUNE VIA AP)

HOLYOKE -- A public hearing will be held tonight at 6:30 at City Hall on a plan to open a medical marijuana dispensary at 28 Appleton St.

The City Council Ordinance Committee is holding the hearing as part of the Council's consideration of an application for a special permit for the medical pot facility submitted by GTI Massachusetts NP Corp.

GTI Massachusetts wants to open a medical pot facility that would occupy the second floor of a building in a general industry zoning district.

Peter Kadens, chief executive officer of GTI Massachusetts, has said the company would hire 30 people for jobs in its first year and up to 100 over three years. Jobs would include trimmers and packagers of marijuana plants, supervisors and managers. Wages would start at $14 an hour with benefits, he said.

Ward 2 Councilor Nelson R. Roman said in a text message that he and residents had concerns about the proposal initially, and still have questions, but he has met with GTI Massachusetts officials and they have shown a commitment to discussing issues.

"I believe since that point they are making every effort to genuinely connect to the community," Roman said.

Massachusetts voters in 2012 permitted medical marijuana facilities by approving a statewide ballot question, and state law prohibits a city or town from banning such facilities. But the city can regulate where such a facility can be located and require that the permit-holder disclose security measures and discuss issues like hours of operation.

Marijuana can be prescribed medically to treat cancer, glaucoma, HIV-AIDS and other illnesses.