At the center of the meeting was Garden State Harvest’s proposal to repurpose a long-vacant school building into a micro cannabis cultivation and processing facility. The planned indoor operation was presented as a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) initiative, intended to revitalize the neglected property while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint. The representatives argued that the proposal would align with permitted agricultural uses in the residential agricultural zone, leveraging advanced odor control systems to address community concerns.

The proposed facility intended to operate under a state-mandated micro license, with cultivation limited to 2,500 square feet of canopy space and employing a maximum of ten people. The representatives emphasized the facility’s security measures, including cloud-based surveillance accessible by state police, and advanced odor mitigation systems involving nanoparticle atomizers and charcoal filters. Despite these assurances, the board remained unconvinced of the project’s suitability for the location, citing the proximity to educational institutions and residential areas as issues.

Public opposition was vocal and widespread, with residents and local stakeholders expressing concerns. Multiple residents highlighted the potential for odor pollution and the facility’s impact on the character of the neighborhood, which features large residential plots. A representative from the Franklin Township School Board strongly opposed the application. The board’s decision was heavily influenced by the public’s apprehensions, particularly regarding the facility’s location near daycare centers and schools.

They highlighted the property’s long-standing vacancy and vandalism issues, framing the cannabis facility as a solution that would bring economic revitalization. They also pointed to the project’s compliance with state regulations and its small-scale operation as factors that would minimize disruption.

Despite the applicant’s efforts to mitigate concerns, the board members were not swayed. During the roll call vote, several members expressed their reservations about the facility’s location, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the township’s zoning and master plan goals. The board unanimously agreed that the cannabis facility was not suitable for the site’s current zoning, leading to the denial of the application.