One of the meeting’s focal points was the application for a Class 5 retail license submitted by Mario Costa, a prominent member of the Jersey City community. Known for his work at the iconic White Mana diner and the Ringside Boxing Gym, Costa has been a significant contributor to local community initiatives. Represented by Boh Hu Porio, Costa outlined his journey from humble beginnings at the diner to becoming a business owner and community mentor. His dedication to local causes was echoed by a resident during public comments, who lauded Costa’s character and community contributions.

Costa expressed his desire to enter the cannabis industry, citing both personal experiences and a broader vision for the therapeutic use of cannabis. He shared anecdotes about the potential benefits of cannabis for individuals dealing with addiction, including a reference to his interactions with former boxer Mike Tyson. Costa’s application promised to hire exclusively from Jersey City, emphasizing community involvement.

Despite the board’s appreciation for Costa’s community impact and business acumen, the approval of his application was made contingent upon the finalization of a security plan, pending feedback from the Jersey City Police Department. A board member expressed support for Costa, describing him as a “great businessman” and stressing the importance of ensuring compliance with security measures. The board unanimously agreed to approve the application, highlighting the need for a comprehensive security plan.

In addition to approving Costa’s application, the board also addressed other matters related to the local cannabis industry. An application for Euphoria, a microbusiness, received final approval after confirming the hiring of local employees and additional security measures. Rips, formerly the Community Wellness Center of New Jersey, successfully renewed its license.

The board also deliberated on procedural issues, particularly concerning changes of address for cannabis businesses. A debate emerged over whether such changes should be treated as new applications, requiring a full review process, or as amendments.

Frustrations were voiced regarding approved applications that had not yet led to operational businesses. Board members expressed concerns about fairness, as many applicants had not opened despite receiving approval, creating an imbalance for those that had successfully launched. This led to a broader reflection on the application process and the need for clearer guidelines.

The meeting also acknowledged the resignation of a board member, which affected the board’s ability to maintain a quorum. This sparked a conversation about the importance of consistent attendance and the potential implementation of structured attendance policies to ensure effective governance.

To address these ongoing challenges, the board discussed drafting a letter to the city clerk. This letter would advocate for amendments to the ordinance that governs application processes. It was suggested that this communication also address board member attendance to improve accountability and ensure operational efficiency.