Teaneck Planning Board Approves New Cannabis Retail and Cultivation Facility

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Teaneck NJ, Teaneck’s Planning Board has given the green light for a new cannabis retail and cultivation operation to open in the township’s light industrial zone. The unanimous decision, made on Thursday, marks a step forward for Nutra Leaf LLC and T-Verde LLC to establish a joint facility at 455 Alfred Avenue.

Planner David Novak presented three hearings of testimony to support the application. Board members cited the township Council’s previous decision to allow cannabis operations as a conditional use in light industrial zones as a significant factor in their approval.

“Based on the mandate we’ve been given by council and what’s in our purview, I would absolutely support it,” said Board Chairman Howard Thompson. However, Thompson voiced concerns about the location, noting its proximity to a residential neighborhood predominantly occupied by Black residents. He suggested that cannabis operations might be better suited to business districts like Cedar Lane.

Resident Concerns and Legislative Context

Community members expressed objections to the facility, citing potential traffic increases, its proximity to Englewood’s Denning Park, and the lack of federal legalization for cannabis operations. Despite these concerns, board member Yehuda Kohn pointed to updated state legislation that redefined controlled dangerous substances under New Jersey’s Comprehensive Drug Reform Act, allowing licensed cannabis facilities to operate within previously restricted zones.

“This change means that a licensed and authorized cannabis facility may operate within the 1,000-foot drug-free zone,” Kohn said. “I think this is outside our purview.”

Next Steps and Industry Growth

While the approval is a significant milestone, Attorney Jason Tuvel did not elaborate on the remaining steps required before the business can officially open. Once operational, this facility will become the second cannabis business in Teaneck, joining “Care By Dank’s,” which opened at 1199 Teaneck Road earlier this month.

Teaneck’s decision reflects the growing acceptance of cannabis operations in New Jersey, following the state’s legalization of recreational marijuana in 2020. However, the debate surrounding location and community impact highlights the ongoing challenges of integrating cannabis businesses into local neighborhoods.

 

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