Egg Harbor Land Use Board Approves Cannabis Cultivation Facility Despite Drainage Concerns
- Meeting Overview:
The Egg Harbor Land Use Board met to discuss and approve developments, including a cannabis cultivation facility proposed by Jess Holdings LLC, while also addressing complex drainage issues and future land use possibilities. The board approved the preliminary and final major site plan for the cannabis facility located at 1301-1324 Martin Wilson Drive after discussions on security measures, waste disposal processes, and environmental impacts.
03:55Central to the meeting was the proposal for a cannabis cultivation facility by Jess Holdings LLC, a project that aims to construct a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse and a 900-square-foot office and storage building. The facility, positioned within an Industrial Business Park zone where such use is permitted, will engage in the cultivation of cannabis from seedlings to flowering stages. Security measures, including key fob access, video surveillance, and potentially drones, were outlined to safeguard the operation. Waste management plans were reviewed, with a focus on incineration processes compliant with Cannabis Regulatory Commission guidelines.
13:40The board discussed various aspects of operational logistics, such as delivery schedules confined to business hours to address neighborhood concerns about early morning disturbances. The cultivation plan allows for a canopy size of 3,000 square feet, potentially expanding to 6,000 square feet with a two-tier system. Parking limitations were noted.
35:47A significant portion of the meeting addressed the drainage and soil conditions that could impact the proposed development. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of geological testing, with suggestions for deeper borings to better assess the site’s drainage capabilities. The board underscored the necessity of effective drainage systems to avoid issues experienced in past projects, emphasizing that any approval would require a guarantee of proper drainage functionality. Soil testing revealed less permeable soils at the surface, prompting plans to replace it with K4 soil to enhance drainage.
31:41The board also explored the facility’s lighting plans, which feature dark sky-compliant fixtures designed to minimize light pollution. The greenhouse’s design, including materials that allow some visibility while maintaining privacy, was reviewed alongside plans for a pre-engineered steel office and storage building.
01:11:53Public participation was minimal, and no residents commented on the application. The board discussed the city’s absence of restrictions on the number of cannabis grow operations, with only one currently operational. The meeting also covered old business, noting the city’s receipt of an Electric Vehicle Grant and plans for community events, highlighting the local government’s focus on sustainable development.
In addition to the cannabis facility, the board’s agenda included discussions on a redevelopment plan update to align medical cannabis regulations with recreational standards. The board reviewed recent property cleanups by a local business owner and addressed concerns about the durability of screening materials used on fences. A new community energy plan was introduced, encouraging sustainable practices through a voluntary green development checklist for developers.
Infrastructure projects were also a topic of discussion, with plans for a bridge replacement project set for 2026. The board considered the environmental impacts of maintaining stop logs in a nearby lake and the integration of a bike path with the bridge project, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve local infrastructure.
Lisa Jiampetti
Land Use Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Land Use Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
03/18/2025
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Recording Published:
03/26/2025
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Duration:
83 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Atlantic County
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Towns:
Egg Harbor City
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