A New Bedford based organization is exploring Rochester as a possible site for a medical marijuana facility.

On Tuesday, Rochester Planning Board members were surprised to learn that the Center for Alternative Life Medicine (CALM) Inc. is considering the town as a location for a retail store where marijuana would be sold.

The nonprofit formed in January and  has the backing of a well-funded philanthropist.

The Kessler family, of Boston, approached CALM Inc. with a proposal that would finance a marijuana growing facility in a mill building. The project would cost $6.5 million. The group hopes to open three retail sites throughout the state. Marijuana grown in New Bedford would supply 100 percent of the product sold at those sites.

Jesse Pitts, of Wareham, serves on CALM’s education board. He said CALM wants to open a facility by year’s end and is aggressively seeking a welcoming host community. Freetown is also being looked at because town officials there have passed a medical marijuana bylaw.

Pitts' news came moments after planning board Chair Arnie Johnson said he didn’t believe Rochester was being considered, because applicants are mostly targeting urban areas.

Pitts spoke at a public hearing that addressed a number of bylaws to be voted on at Special Town Meeting.

The decision to pass the local bylaw now lies with residents who will vote at town meeting.

Pitts said community support is key to successfully open and operate a medical marijuana facility. “If the board does not want a facility no one will want to come. Applicants are looking for people who are welcoming,” Pitts said. “If the town doesn’t want it - it probably won’t happen.”

Nineteen people have applied for license to open medical marijuana dispensaries in Plymouth county. The licenses, and the process to open the facilities, were developed after voters approved a state ballot measure in November that legalized marijuana for medical use.