[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6060847,"mediaKeyId","3288017-c1babf81a56c3d292b72946e3cb92cff","parentId",3288017,"title","Morristown council adopts parking, filming and cannabis license measures; redevelopment plan introduced","audioSeconds",230,"startMs",2160000,"endMs",2390000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288017-c1babf81a56c3d292b72946e3cb92cff&start=2160&end=2390","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288017-c1babf81a56c3d292b72946e3cb92cff/thumbnail_2160000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6060847/Morristown/Morris-County/New-Jersey/Morristown-council-adopts-parking-filming-and-cannabis-license-measures-redevelopment-plan-introduced","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060847-d1e760b51cc1a104e8ab6fcdeb76363f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143234&Signature=Cnoe-N7qJfOZSu7S8O44~kXHknVNmXbJeydteUJ4ZA7ZJP8FHf0JbPVZ7sJSrVmBX19xpOVQOztj8WB3H33IxKesqBQcWk1q63t6tsqbHK993JVXlYslBq2REngx0FOBRrtB~ZCE1qdOgUXuX07Tfk5kBfBR6KLYqeRuhNFnvFXqoSKDfaZH7pAHJVXZinp5w3jV8dwaUOT-qSC0HhACXJf2vwZz13pNv8NaFk50ElaaOqc8qvlSYf0lqr8ZZXGN1fGk5kDes~OixYQReb1aMsh8QQ8zJLRpQKp4lBapocQzX2XE7EComblpQg2mlkIbmmW85LuIokG~ofKfnPtZMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Morristown, NJ","date","2025-02-26T13:20:29Z","article","The Morristown Town Council on Tuesday, Feb. 25, adopted two ordinances, approved three resolutions, and introduced a redevelopment plan that will return for public hearing on March 11.

The actions affect town parking rules, a fee schedule for commercial filming on public property, the award of one local retail cannabis license, a pedestrian‑safety installation, temporary license extensions for outdoor licensed premises, and several routine appointments.

The council adopted Ordinance O-6-2025 to amend Chapter 7 (traffic) governing parking and movement of vehicles on municipal and Board of Education property. Council members voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance and council members said the town police will monitor enforcement; towing is a potential enforcement mechanism under the ordinance.

The council also adopted Ordinance O-8-2025 to add a fee schedule for use of public property for advertising and public‑relations photography, still or video. The measure passed unanimously.

Ordinance O-9-2025, a redevelopment plan for property identified as 25 Market Street (a set of lots on the town tax maps), was introduced by title and formally referred for a public hearing and further consideration on March 11.

Votes at a glance (formal actions and outcomes)

- Resolution R-51-2025: Award local retail cannabis business license to Ooma Flowers NJ LLC — Adopted (Roll call: Foster Yes; Anacone Yes; Lindsey Yes; Russo Yes; Silva No; Council President Umbriak Yes). Motion and seconder not specified in the record; outcome adopted. (See separate article on the public hearing and comment record.)

- Resolution R-52-2025: Authorize cost‑sharing agreement with the State of New Jersey for construction of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at Route 124 (South Street and Hamilton Road) — Adopted unanimously. Council and staff thanked the DOT for cooperation in securing funding.

- Resolution R-53-2025: Appoint special Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 officers for 2025 — Adopted unanimously.

- Consent items (motion to approve items 1–4 passed; items 5 and 6 were pulled and then approved): The council approved two temporary/extensions of licensed premises for outdoor events — the Dublin Pub (March 14–17, 2025) and Non Mexican Table (May 2025) — with the council noting operators will be expected to limit amplified activity on most nights to ease impacts on nearby residences; council said it will reconsider if operators raise objections.

- Appointment to Morristown Parking Authority: Chris Kirk was nominated and confirmed to serve through 12/31/2027.

What’s next

Ordinance O-9-2025 (25 Market Street redevelopment plan) returns for a public hearing and final action on March 11. The council set no final implementation dates for other items beyond the resolutions already adopted.

Why this matters

The measures change how the town manages parking enforcement and commercial filming, advance a redevelopment review for a downtown site, and finalize local approvals tied to public safety and commercial activity, including the award of a single local cannabis retail license in a contested process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 25, 2025 Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Morristown Town Council on Tuesday, Feb. 25, adopted two ordinances, approved three resolutions, and introduced a redevelopment plan that will return for public hearing on March 11.","taxTitle","Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey","taxId",63616,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6060833,"Environmental group launches Morristown \"Eat for Impact\" plant‑based restaurant month for March",192,1306000,1498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288017-c1babf81a56c3d292b72946e3cb92cff&start=1306&end=1498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288017-c1babf81a56c3d292b72946e3cb92cff/thumbnail_1306000.jpg","/articles/6060833/Morristown/Morris-County/New-Jersey/Environmental-group-launches-Morristown-Eat-for-Impact-plantbased-restaurant-month-for-March","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060833-1c2bfef13809099ecaf2bd069eff1e46/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143234&Signature=EY~2APAwJnAAOiPIAl~Lc23nP7U-k8Ut5Ob4xrei8XEmnVP7QUv~rou5~48hAehOg2qiTOhPA-y7t9lclqZeXVPm8yreaTqQmyEjM8Zpwhl4jbDqRQ3P4AIgsMlO3sJruJdBHeuzEShtY-OMSU6nV3oPhHrFzh4Hyegvyua~fc77fsY7dE1lW-HTw8UBA5xNBAMdaLTBoBTjyfRNbO~Tv5SwG-IQsWbkysLSjJB9g68yRENDtmTo5LAdNI7Ah3ELCaKEivUKARG1znNiYcnQO50PvckpV12Rg0ITtovL-4NuNTm3GreuYRe-iICVOXmyiGAqFDNkOkGG9qO4JUBg4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rizzi Stein, a Morristown environmental commission member and lead organizer for the local chapter of the nonprofit Planted Society, announced that 10 Morristown restaurants will participate in \"Eat for Impact\" during March, offering plant‑based specials to raise awareness about sustainable eating and support locally owned businesses.

Participating restaurants named by Stein include Baklava Cafe; Chef Freddie’s Table; Central Taqueria; Enzo Pizzeria and Restaurant; Parkside Tavern; Portofino’s Restaurant; South & Pine American Eatery; Sushi Lounge; The Address; and The Famous Rock. Stein said the initiative will include a plant‑based potluck on March 10 at the United Methodist Church and a library display featuring books on climate action.

Stein said the local campaign is part of a global movement that has run in multiple U.S. cities since 2023 and that prior local campaigns produced measurable sales and environmental savings in other locations. She said Eat for Impact in Morristown has secured endorsements from Senator Cory Booker and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and partners including the Morristown Partnership and the Morristown Library; Stein attributed those endorsements and partnerships to the initiative’s organizers.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to drive business to local restaurants while promoting lower‑emissions food choices. Organizers cited prior campaigns where participating restaurants sold thousands of specials and calculated avoided greenhouse gas emissions, water savings and land‑use benefits.

Next steps

Stein invited council members and residents to the March 10 potluck and encouraged people to check the town calendar and the Eat for Impact website for participating restaurant menus and events.

Sources: Public comment by Rizzi Stein at the Feb. 25 Town Council meeting.","An organizer from the environmental nonprofit Planted Society announced that 10 Morristown restaurants will offer plant‑based specials during March as part of the Eat for Impact campaign. The organizer cited prior campaign results in other towns and national endorsements and invited council and residents to local events.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6060838,"Shade Tree Commission warns Morristown of oversalting, plans invasive‑species ordinance amendment",85,273000,358000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288017-c1babf81a56c3d292b72946e3cb92cff&start=273&end=358","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288017-c1babf81a56c3d292b72946e3cb92cff/thumbnail_273000.jpg","/articles/6060838/Morristown/Morris-County/New-Jersey/Shade-Tree-Commission-warns-Morristown-of-oversalting-plans-invasivespecies-ordinance-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060838-99096d71f034884eba946f168cbadf08/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143234&Signature=e9o5wbmF6lZ7Fj8FroQZLXqWyIB4hDm8faVFXWXNM8aG3kGYxzt~RfHrWEn2lCFWRhaj1NGkEGjz7ALQJEtJiiF60SWDJy20A6T-SK9VHdlIHG2BoFZQOlYdqwRife-gSIOjM0Q2cohQ7ztGHcNUJ~lx76JlQChAEDO0bw1NFfqkNhRLBOfyUB~Rm2i0Y8ul92LKa6dsMB4nY77QcaXZyuvSrkysrz3DJtdOnG4FPjFTeIxARG1n1rEEtFyHlkzKDU5kkl35K4icnO-c7Nygx9lYTwHKdkgAo6YKB6jbmd4SGUwi14jRg9zmsAVvTFUod~6me98OoCTZ8oyX-Xl7Ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kristen Ace, representing the Morristown Shade Tree Commission, told the Town Council on Feb. 25 that the commission has documented \"over‑salting\" practices around the downtown, municipal properties and parking authority sites that exceed New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection guidelines.

Ace said she circulated a packet of salting information to council members and described salt damage to street trees and downstream impacts on the Whippany River cleanup effort involving Morristown and six neighboring municipalities. \"These practices kill trees...but it also kills our waterways,\" Ace said.

The Shade Tree Commission is also preparing language to amend the town’s invasive‑species ordinance to add emerging invasive plants. Ace said the proposed amendment will appear on a future council agenda and that the commission will continue public outreach on permitted and prohibited plants for private property.

Why it matters

Excessive salting can harm roadside vegetation, increase chloride levels in waterways and impede municipal restoration work. The commission’s proposed ordinance language on emerging invasives is intended to prevent new plantings that could become invasive, reducing future removal costs and ecological harm.

Council response and next steps

Ace said the commission’s invasive‑species amendment \"should be on your agenda for next council meeting,\" and urged council members to share the salting guidance with businesses within their wards. Council did not take immediate legislative action on salting practices at the meeting; the invasive‑species amendment was presented as forthcoming and will return for council consideration.

Sources: Public comment by Kristen Ace at the Feb. 25 Town Council meeting and the commission’s distributed packet.","A representative of the Shade Tree Commission told the council that municipal and private salting practices exceed Department of Environmental Protection guidelines, killing trees and harming waterways. The commission will propose adding \"emerging invasives\" language to the town’s invasive‑species ordinance at a future meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6060843,"Morristown awards single retail cannabis license amid public calls for more licenses and questions about fairness",1943,417000,2360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288017-c1babf81a56c3d292b72946e3cb92cff&start=417&end=2360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288017-c1babf81a56c3d292b72946e3cb92cff/thumbnail_417000.jpg","/articles/6060843/Morristown/Morris-County/New-Jersey/Morristown-awards-single-retail-cannabis-license-amid-public-calls-for-more-licenses-and-questions-about-fairness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060843-a5daf87270e925a88fec7b2662551842/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143234&Signature=lJDbxyIF1xhOoWfryPRoFjNWIuu1f8nsCsu78gCa1UuOtauENRuk2mcmQCUWHUyvlm8cBc5XYCvYt56IoJJkrfvGzV2aIv-hzAjbZG-XhBCSeNgTXEiaZxOvyWdAkM21yJFcLRB90eD6rPezBtF67J~XHcNE9mmlPHM9WTmewsP95Su1mhrb8EkaOmfedN61iTjadJT-AIxzEtMPx0Vk6jZoViSCSWb7v7CiEzrrFWO6hTs-wj5cOIgCoKOAHPNzWD3k7wKJkB30PJa6i5GJbo9l5yj1Cc9znKcO9xVO~4-m2jGeKcCIXal~0MEbWYuxu1pRTKP4VA9lwULVaFnfWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Morristown Town Council voted to award one local retail cannabis license to Ooma Flowers NJ LLC on Feb. 25, a decision that drew extensive public comment urging the council to award additional licenses for economic and social‑equity reasons.

The award was adopted by roll call: Councilwoman Sheba Foster — Yes; Councilman Anacone — Yes; Councilwoman Lindsey — Yes; Councilman Chris Russo — Yes; Councilman Silva — No; Council President Umbriak — Yes. Motion and seconder were not specified in the public record.

Why it matters

Local cannabis licensing has both economic and equity implications. Commenters at Tuesday’s public hearing argued that additional licenses would capture tax revenue, create local jobs and advance social equity commitments in the town’s licensing process. Opponents and at least one council member raised concerns about potential public‑health effects.

What public speakers said

Kristen Camjati, owner of Morristown’s Best Inc. LLC and an applicant in the licensing process, said she and her partner were \"disappointed and confused\" that the council awarded only one license and that limiting awards \"is not in the best interest of our town or its residents.\" She added that the 10‑mile radius around Morristown contains nearly half a million people and that local demand for legal cannabis is substantial.

Grant Faker, who identified himself as a young professional living and working in Morristown, said a single dispensary would not meet local demand and argued a second location would bring foot traffic to downtown businesses: \"One dispensary will not be able to keep up with the demand that Morristown has,\" he said.

Jeron Wright, a local business owner and longtime resident, criticized the administration’s decision as lacking transparency and fairness and said it undercut the town’s stated commitment to restorative justice: \"This decision... raises questions about transparency, fairness and whether restorative justice is truly being delivered,\" Wright said.

Council explanation

Councilman Silva, who cast the lone No vote on the resolution awarding the license, offered a public statement explaining his vote and citing concerns about cannabis use and public health. In part he said: \"Cannabis use has been linked to problems of cognitive functions like learning, memory, attention processing speed, perceptual motor function, and language. Several studies indicate a link between marijuana and an increased risk of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.\" Silva concluded by saying he was explaining his vote.

Formal action

Action recorded: Resolution R-51-2025 — authorize a local retail cannabis business license for the Town of Morristown to Ooma Flowers NJ LLC. Outcome: Adopted (Yes 5; No 1). The record does not list a mover or seconder for the resolution in the public minutes.

What’s next

The awarded operator will proceed under town licensing rules; council members and public commenters indicated that the award does not end local interest in licensing policy and social‑equity outcomes.

Sources: Public hearing comments and roll‑call votes from the Feb. 25 Morristown Town Council meeting.","The council voted 5–1 to award a local retail cannabis license to Ooma Flowers NJ LLC. Multiple public commenters urged awarding additional licenses for economic opportunity and social‑equity reasons; one speaker said the decision raises transparency concerns. Councilman Silva voted no and publicly explained his concerns about public health.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Morristown council adopts parking, filming and cannabis license measures; redevelopment plan introduced

Environmental group launches Morristown "Eat for Impact" plant‑based restaurant month for March

Shade Tree Commission warns Morristown of oversalting, plans invasive‑species ordinance amendment

Morristown awards single retail cannabis license amid public calls for more licenses and questions about fairness