The focal point of the recent River Edge Land Use Board meeting was the application of Sweet Spot River Edge LLC, which is seeking site plan approval to operate a class 5 retail cannabis dispensary on Route 4 East. The applicant’s representatives provided a detailed presentation, including a video walkthrough of an existing New Jersey retail location, to outline the security, operation, and aesthetic aspects of the proposed site. Notably, there would be no consumption on site, and strict security protocols involving unmarked vehicles would be implemented for deliveries. Furthermore, the applicant addressed the management of unused cannabis products, emphasizing regulatory compliance.

During the session, various board members inquired about the dispensary’s security measures—such as the use of a Verata security system and 3M safety film on glass—delivery procedures, and adherence to state regulations. The Chief of Police contributed to the discussion, highlighting the necessity of cameras, fire alarms, and the potential presence of a police officer at the location to ensure security. The applicant’s willingness to adjust their plans, including the removal of display tables to avoid potential variances, was noted. Additionally, the board and the applicant discussed waste management, with the applicant clarifying that waste generated would be general office waste, not cannabis waste, and would be managed by a third-party cleaning service.

The applicant, Blake Costa, also provided insight into the company’s broader operations, revealing that they have five operational stores and one upcoming, across different states. Costa recounted a break-in incident in Rhode Island, which was swiftly resolved. The board expressed concerns regarding potential congestion outside the store, especially during peak times, and Costa assured that they have designed their operations to manage high transaction volumes efficiently.

Another discussion involved the proposed modifications to an existing commercial building in the commercial office C2 zoning district and Cannabis overlay zone. Civil engineer John Dunley from Neglia Engineering presented plans for the site, which featured three commercial buildings and 117 existing parking spaces. Dunley outlined interior modifications and restriping the parking lot to ensure sufficient drive aisles and adequate parking for the dispensary, including ADA accessible spaces. The board also touched on the financial challenges faced by the business, with a representative mentioning the difficulty in obtaining traditional bank loans, necessitating reliance on operational cash flow for funding growth.

Additional topics covered included the installation of a backup generator on the building’s roof, with the board concerned about the generator’s impact and the need for structural support review. Changes to the site layout, such as the elimination of a parking space and a trash enclosure, were also discussed. The board requested full-size copies of the submitted exhibits for review and clarification on the North arrow on the traffic circulation plan.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to carry the application to the board’s next public meeting on August 28th for further review and consideration without further notice. This decision allows for additional discussions on the plans for the dispensary’s signage and the elevation to show the generator placement.