The meeting opened with the approval of a straightforward application by Vince Angelus. Angelus sought to add two side extensions and one front addition to his existing house. The board scrutinized the property, located in a rural residential district, noting it was an undersized lot of 1.08 acres, below the required 3.4 acres. The primary variance requested was for the front yard setback, reducing it from 50 feet to 41.2 feet. The board approved the variances unanimously after confirming no public objections.

The rest of the meeting was dominated by the proposal from Mystic Botanical Farms LLC, which sought a variance for class one cannabis cultivation on an 18-acre farm. The site, located in a rural residential district, required a variance because cannabis cultivation is not explicitly permitted in this zoning area. The representatives emphasized the alignment with state regulations and the minimal impact on local zoning, highlighting benefits, including a 2% tax on cannabis products for the township.

William El Piper, the property owner, testified about his long-term ties to the farm and the dual use for conventional farming and cannabis. Another witness, Sergeant Jamesville, detailed the security measures, including fencing, video surveillance, and alarm systems, mandated by state regulations. The representatives stressed the unobtrusive nature of the operation, limited to 10,000 square feet of cultivation area, initially starting with 5,000 square feet.

A notable moment occurred when a veteran shared his struggles with PTSD and the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis. He advocated for the project on Dutch Road, emphasizing its potential to help veterans like him. He highlighted the statistic of 22 veteran suicides daily and stressed the importance of cannabis cultivation for therapeutic purposes.

Concerns about the project’s impact on the community were raised. Issues included security, odor, and traffic. The representatives assured compliance with state mandates, including continuous video surveillance and a commercial-grade alarm system. They also addressed odor concerns by outlining the use of freeze-drying technology to mitigate smells and collaborating with a researcher from Stockton University to study these odors.

The board faced a decision regarding the conditional use variance. Legal arguments were presented, emphasizing the medicinal benefits of cannabis and its alignment with the township’s agricultural goals. The speakers highlighted the potential for economic expansion and diversification, crucial for sustaining local farming amid declining participation.

Public comments revealed a divided community. Supporters, including local farmers and veterans, emphasized the project’s benefits, such as preserving farmland and providing a stable revenue stream. They argued that cannabis cultivation aligns with the township’s agricultural heritage and can revitalize local farming efforts. Opponents, primarily nearby residents, expressed concerns about odor, property values, and the quiet neighborhood atmosphere. They questioned the long-term implications of the project and its potential expansion.

A discussion on the environmental impact of cannabis cultivation ensued. Concerns were raised about water consumption and runoff. A speaker noted that one cannabis plant consumes more water than typical crops, raising feasibility issues. The discussion also included potential greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the environmental impact.

The board deliberated on the necessity of a site plan to address security and operational concerns. Ultimately, the vote resulted in four affirmative votes and three opposed, insufficient to grant the approval as five affirmative votes were required.

The meeting concluded with the approval of another application without discussion and a motion to adjourn.