The Public hearing on the cannabis ordinance is still on schedule for Thursday night at the Mayor and Council meeting, after the Planning Board ruled the other night it is in keeping with the Master Plan.
The governing body had to submit the proposed ordinance 9-2022 to the planning board for its review to see if it is in conformance with the borough’s master plan.
Although planning board members agreed by unanimous vote it is not inconsistent with the Master Plan, several questions were raised among themselves and by several residents who spoke during the public portion. Planners made no recommendations to the governing body at this time, but all indicated they wanted to have more conversation over some aspects of the proposed ordinance.
Councilman Brian Dougherty, the governing body’s liaison to the board, gave a brief history of the state law allowing six types of cannabis businesses as well as the borough’s actions in respond to the new law. Dougherty also noted that approximately 75 per cent of borough voters approved some type of cannabis business within the borough and the new proposed ordinance is the result of meetings and discussions based on the new law and local opinion.
Councilwoman Lori Hohenleitner, who also worked on the proposed code, was present at the meeting to provide any response to the planners and to thank them for their efforts in reviewing the proposed code and the locations in which any businesses would be situated. One of the issues raised during the planning board meeting is the portion of the ordinance on darkened storefronts for any proposed cannabis business. Resident Mark Fisher said he disagreed with that proposal, because it is unfair to any new cannabis business and indicating his belief that “it should be treated like any other business.” Fisher also questioned why the proposed code includes definitions of types of cannabis business which would not be permitted in the borough.
Both retired Henry Hudson teacher Vinnie Whitehead and the Rev. Jarlath Quinn, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes parish, spoke against allowing cannabis businesses at all. Whitehead defined it as an entry drug and cited future problems for young adults who begin using it too young indicating it causes lack of motivation and other problems. He also cited the dangers of promoting cannabis use in various forms which are appealing to younger people.
Fr. Quinn questioned whether leaders considering cannabis businesses in the borough and citing the amount of revenue which would be gained from it have taken into consideration the added costs it would also generate, both in additional law enforcement and traffic. He questioned whether such business would have an impact on property values and the location of businesses in various areas of the borough. “It cannot be a good attraction for the town,” the pastor said.
Zack Brown, agreeing with concern for children, said that given the restrictions of the new law he feels confident that there would not sufficient protection and adherence to the strict regulations since businesses would be in fear of having their licenses revoked. He also noted he has not heard any objections or issues raised over the presence of a brewery in close proximity to the elementary school.
Thomas Broadbent noted new businesses will be required to have security guards, and questioned the presences of weapons particularly in areas around the elementary school.
Planners agreed to take all comments into consideration and both the council members present at the meeting and board members agreed to further discussion of the proposed ordinance after its public hearing Thursday night.
