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Hamilton Council backs Vision Cannabis retail application, introduces cannabis land-use changes
Summary
The council unanimously passed a resolution supporting Vision Cannabis LLC’s Class 5 retail application, introduced an ordinance to regulate cannabis establishments, and referred a proposed minimum-distance amendment to the planning board for review under NJSA 40:55D-26.
The Hamilton Township Council unanimously moved to support Vision Cannabis LLC’s application to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission for a Class 5 retail/dispensary license and took initial steps to update local land-use rules for cannabis businesses at the Jan. 7 reorganization meeting.
A resolution (125-001) supporting Vision Cannabis LLC’s application was introduced and moved forward after a public-comment period. Rich Fenero, who identified himself as representing Vision Cannabis LLC, addressed the council and said the company’s application materials were “extremely thorough,” noted local hiring plans and offered to have principals answer questions.
Separately, the council introduced Ordinance 125-001, which would amend Hamilton’s land-use code (Part 3, chapter 550, article 4, section 550-143) governing cannabis and medical cannabis establishments; the measure passed its first reading and was introduced at the meeting. The council also passed Resolution 125-040 referring proposed amendments to the land-use code to the Hamilton Township Planning Board for review pursuant to New Jersey Statute NJSA 40:55D-26. Council members said the referral aims to put a minimum-distance requirement in place so cannabis retailers are not clustered together, a standard similar to distance rules used for alcoholic beverage outlets.
Council discussion noted that the township has allotted three dispensary slots under current policy and that the minimum-distance rule’s intent is to prevent clustering. No final zoning changes were approved at the meeting; the ordinance was introduced (first reading) and the referral sends the proposal to the Planning Board for the statutorily required review before final council action.
All recorded votes on the cannabis items were unanimous (5-0). The council closed the public comment portion on the supporting resolution before voting; a principal of Vision Cannabis was present, according to a representative who offered to answer questions.
