Franklin Zoning Board Denies Cannabis Facility Amid Public Concerns on Location

The Franklin Township Zoning Board denied a contested application for a use variance to establish a cannabis cultivation facility at a former school building on Stanton Avenue. During a lengthy meeting, the board listened to extensive public input, primarily focused on the proposed facility’s proximity to a nursery school and residential areas. Ultimately, the board concluded that the facility did not align with local zoning laws, prioritizing industrial zones for such operations.

0:00At 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.

20:23The 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.

1:47:46Public 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.

0:00They 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.

2:05:17Despite 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.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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