The East Boston Times-Free Press reports the Zoning Board of Appeal gave a variance to the owners of a proposed pot shop at 71 Maverick Square, less than a half mile from another pot shop the board approved in March.

Both stores still need approval of the state Cannabis Control Commission before they can open.

An ordinance passed by the City Council and signed by Mayor Walsh calls for at least a half mile of separation between marijuana facilities. Both proposals came up at the same meeting, but after the board approved the Meridian Street proposal, the operators of the Maverick Square one asked for a deferral - they eventually got two - to try to work something out with the city.

Because of the city ordinance, the board gave East Boston Bloom a variance for its Maverick Square proposal, which is meant for conditions in which city zoning causes an unusual hardship for a property or business owner.

The confusion over the two proposals sparked angry words by city officials on all sides. Councilors Michelle Wu (at large) and Lydia Edwards (East Boston, North End, Charlestown) held up mayoral appointments to the zoning board until the applicants announced whether they would support the half-mile limit.