Elijah Dixon and Andre McNair’s presentation for a class five social equity cannabis dispensary, Nirvana, was a focal point of the meeting. Their proposal to open on North Broad Street involves an extensive rehabilitation plan for the property, with an emphasis on community-oriented hiring and offering ownership stakes to their employees. The dispensary plans to provide heirloom or landrace cannabis strains, known for their non-GMO status and functional, creative high. Council members showed keen interest in the potential impacts on downtown revitalization, safety, and legal aspects, as well as the broader business community.

The discussion around the proposed dispensary delved into security measures, including a backup system for power outages, tinted windows, temperature-controlled facilities, and secure transportation for products and revenue. Financing strategies were also on the table, with Elijah and Andre indicating ongoing negotiations with a Community Development lender and plans for subsidized employee housing on the building’s upper floors.

Councilwoman Jennifer Williams commended the presenters for their professionalism and profit-sharing plans. Councilwoman Teska Frisby suggested considering armed security for additional safety and lauded the focus on community investment and employee benefits. Councilwoman Jasi Mikae Edwards praised the initiative as an opportunity for neighborhood revitalization and recognized the proposed use of non-GMO seeds.

The council also took a moment to recognize the National Pan-Hellenic Council Mercer Region, with Council President Crystal Feliciano and Councilwoman Yazminelly Gonzalez, both members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, presenting the resolution. The representatives of the council were acknowledged for their lifelong commitment to community service, with the council capturing the moment in a group photo and awarding them certificates.

Another highlight of the meeting was the moving public comment from Alany Jr., also known as Alga de Great, who spoke about his battle with stage four inoperable cancer. His story of growing up in Trenton and his dedication to human rights struck a chord with the audience and council members, who offered their support and well-wishes.

Ordinances 24-2, addressing fireworks regulation, and 24-6, concerning the municipal budget appropriation limits and the establishment of a cap bank, were approved with no public comments. The council also unanimously passed a resolution authorizing a workers’ compensation claim settlement and introduced traffic regulation amendments and a bond ordinance for lead service line replacements.

Councilwoman Williams thanked attendees and stressed the importance of health care monitoring, while Councilman Joseph Harrison encouraged support for local events. Councilwoman Gonzalez and Councilwoman Frisby acknowledged community support and dedication.

Councilwoman Jenna Figueroa Kettenburg recognized Elijah and Andre’s contributions and emphasized their role as community role models. She also highlighted local opportunities, such as the NAACP event, free tax preparation services, an FBI internship program, and a film industry training opportunity.

The council’s support extended to proposals for improving community safety, with suggestions for a permit system for fireworks use. They also announced the “Lunch with a Cop” event, hosted by Council President Feliciano, Vice President Figueroa Kettenburg, and Councilwoman Edwards, aimed at fostering dialogue between residents and law enforcement.