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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Teaneck NJ, a proposed micro-cannabis retail and cultivation business on Alfred Avenue has sparked community interest and raised questions about traffic and local impacts. Nutra Leaf LLC, the retailer, and T-Verde LLC, the cultivator, presented their plans to the Teaneck Planning Board during a second hearing on Thursday evening.
Traffic Concerns Addressed
Traffic expert Justin Taylor testified about the potential impact of the operation on local roads, a key concern for residents. Using traffic studies conducted during peak hours in June, Taylor estimated the business would add only 36 cars to the area—a number well below the 100 vehicles considered significant by New Jersey’s Department of Transportation standards.
Taylor’s findings were supported by township traffic engineer Josh Herman, who confirmed the methodology met state guidelines.
“It’s the perfect balance between uses,” Taylor said, emphasizing that the parking lot would be most active during the evening hours, when other businesses are less busy.
Parking Variance Request
The applicant has requested a variance for parking, citing that only 24 spaces are needed despite township guidelines requiring 80. Taylor pointed out that 36 spaces are regularly available on-site, making the operation feasible without overburdening the parking lot.
Security and Community Concerns
Some residents voiced worries about potential loitering or illegal activities, particularly at nearby Denning Park, located 0.4 miles from the proposed cannabis store.
Attorney Jason Tuvel, representing Nutra Leaf, clarified that the store’s parking lot would be monitored as required by state regulations but emphasized that the applicant is not responsible for activities at the park. “That’s a police issue,” Tuvel noted.
Board Discussion on Broader Impacts
Board members compared the proposal to other cannabis operations in nearby towns such as Fort Lee and Rochelle Park. Tuvel cautioned against these comparisons, noting that Nutra Leaf and T-Verde are micro-businesses with an annual production cap of 1,000 pounds of cannabis.
Board Chairman Howard Thompson suggested a potential “look back” condition. This measure would allow the board to reassess the traffic impact a year after the business opens, ensuring the studies accurately reflect real-world conditions.
What’s Next?
The Planning Board will continue reviewing the proposal at its next meeting on Dec. 19 at the Rodda Center, with a remote broadcast available for those unable to attend in person.
This case highlights the careful balance communities must strike between embracing new industries and addressing local concerns. As the conversation continues, the board’s decision could set a precedent for future cannabis-related developments in Teaneck.
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