The most notable agenda item was the presentation by a representative from Patriot Equities regarding the redevelopment plan for the Atlantic City Race Course area. The proposed plan aims to repeal the existing redevelopment framework and introduce a new one that permits the establishment of a fulfillment distribution center. This center would encompass various operations including the receipt, storage, assembly, packaging, shipment, and delivery of merchandise. While the plan does not approve any specific development applications, it sets the zoning framework for future developments. An ordinance to repeal the existing plan and adopt the new one was introduced, with a public hearing scheduled for September 16, 2024, and a resolution was passed to authorize the planning board’s review of the proposed plan.

Simultaneously, another redevelopment initiative was discussed involving Green Acres LLC, with a focus on a site-specific plan for a property on Elwood Road intended for class one cannabis cultivation. This plan included updates to the township code to incorporate definitions related to agricultural processing, which were necessary for the Pinelands to certify the ordinance. The removal of distance requirements from parks and recreational areas was also discussed, influenced by the site’s proximity to a county gun range. Committee members highlighted the potential for increased tax revenue from the cannabis operation and noted that the plan would contribute to the township’s affordable housing trust fund through a non-residential development fee. An ordinance to adopt the site-specific redevelopment plan for Green Acres LLC was introduced, with the public hearing set for the same date as the Atlantic City Race Course plan, September 16, 2024.

The council then turned its attention to another redevelopment agreement involving Fresh Cut Cannabis. Representatives provided an overview of their plans for a 47,630 square foot facility in the industrial business park. They detailed their security measures, which included over 90 cameras and a robust odor mitigation plan developed with Bioscientific, a company specializing in odor management technology for the cannabis industry. The odor mitigation system, utilizing advanced molecular filtration technologies, is designed to handle the anticipated volume of odors from the facility. The representatives assured the council that they would comply with the township’s additional mitigation requirements, including regular odor readings.

The redevelopment agreement for Fresh Cut Cannabis authorizes the construction of a Class 1 cannabis operation and a Class 2 manufacturing facility, with the agreement remaining in effect for a minimum of one year or two full growing cycles. This period allows for monitoring the effectiveness of the odor mitigation system. Additionally, the township will receive an odorometer from the redeveloper, enabling independent odor testing by township officials. The construction of the facility is projected to begin early next year, with a timeline aiming for completion and operations by the first quarter of 2026.

In the realm of community infrastructure, the council discussed the management of two hockey courts at Leapy Fields. Due to past vandalism and non-conforming uses, one court remains open to the public while the other is available only by permit. This arrangement was confirmed as permissible under Green Acres regulations, and the committee considered amending the township code to reflect this operational structure.

The council also reviewed several resolutions, including the approval of a bid for the reconstruction of Malago Road, funded entirely by grants, which would not impact the township’s budget. An increase in the not-to-exceed amount for electrical repair and maintenance was proposed due to lightning damage at Leapy Fields. The appointment of specialized legal counsel for affordable housing litigation was discussed, along with the authorization to purchase three police vehicles and the appointment of Robert Goodman as the director of community and economic development.

The completion of Leapy Fields was another point of discussion, with plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to be scheduled. The council also highlighted several recent and upcoming community events, including the Night of Lights, National Night Out, and the 34th annual Daniel Murphy and MaryAnn Murphy Rata on the Lake. Concerns about potential water restrictions due to ongoing dam construction projects were mentioned, with favorable updates on the progress of the upper side dam work.