Council splits 4-3 to allow public to offer opinions
Editor’s note: Many area communities including Somers Point, Linwood, Ocean City, Sea Isle City and Upper Township have voted against allowing cannabis businesses. Others including Egg Harbor Township and Lower Township have approved some forms of recreational cannabis businesses. Northfield voted against it, but wants to allow residents to weigh in.
NORTHFIELD — Residents will have an opportunity to let the governing body know how they feel about cannabis retail businesses when they cast their ballot in November.
In a 4-3 vote, City Council approved adding a question to the ballot asking whether the city should allow as many as three retail cannabis licenses.
If approved, the businesses would be limited to the city’s Regional Commercial Zone on Tilton Road, from Deborah Avenue to the border with Egg Harbor Township. Further limitations include a prohibition within 1,000 feet of any religious facility, school, playground, park and child care facility. The three license holders also would have to secure a delivery license.
On Feb. 22, 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Modernization Act, legalizing recreational use of marijuana for people 21 and older and establishing a statewide marketplace.
The legislation allows communities that host the businesses to collect a 2 percent tax on sales. Proponents, most notably Councilman Paul Utts, a member of the committee researching the topic, have argued that the revenue could help offset costs of providing city services and boost the business district.
Council President Tom Polistina, Councilman Dave Notaro and Councilwoman Carolyn Bucci joined Utts in approving the ballot question. If approved, however, it is not binding but simply for information’s sake.
Councilman Eric Leeds, who had made the motion to adopt, voted against allowing the public a voice in the matter. He was joined by Councilman Greg Dewees and Councilman Brian Smith, who has been adamantly against any proposal to allow marijuana sales in the city.
“I have been very clear in my opposition to these developments,” Smith said. “I was put here to make decisions and I am opposed to the ballot question.”
He said allowing cannabis businesses in the city sends the wrong message to children.
“It boggles my mind,” he said, noting he is opposed to spending money for the solicitor to draft the ballot question.
A second resolution, that would have allowed residents a say on whether the city should allow as many as two cultivation licenses, was rejected in a 4-3 vote, with Bucci joining the opposition.
In November 2020, New Jersey residents voted about 2-1 in favor of allowing recreational use of marijuana for adults and creation of the marketplace. That started a 180-day countdown for municipalities to prohibit or limit the six classes of cannabis businesses. Delivery businesses can be restricted but the actual delivery of the product cannot.
Last year, City Council voted 4-3 to prohibit retail businesses but discussed revisiting the issue after the state had established its framework for the marketplace.
That vote came about a month after members voted 5-2 to introduce an ordinance permitting four of the six classes of such businesses to operate.
The opposing votes allowed City Council to cast a final vote to allow or prohibit before the state deadline.
Mayor Erland Chau had to settle the matter after three members voted to allow and three voted to prohibit, with Dewees abstaining without stating a cause.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff