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Tenafly council introduces cannabis zoning; resident urges delay and public input
Summary
The council introduced an ordinance to allow certain cannabis establishments in the downtown business zone and scheduled a Feb. 4 public hearing. A resident spoke during the public-comment period urging the council not to approve a downtown cannabis retail store.
The Borough of Tenafly Mayor and Council introduced on Jan. 21 an ordinance (25-05) that would permit certain classes of cannabis establishments and microbusinesses in the downtown business zone as conditional uses. The council set a public hearing and final vote for Feb. 4, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
The first-reading introduction drew a brief public comment before the formal introduction. Angela Leone, identified in the record as a resident, told the council she opposed bringing a cannabis retail outlet to Tenafly’s downtown and cited local public-safety and policing concerns. Leone said the downtown has experienced break-ins on nearby East Hill and that adding a retailer now would be premature: "I don't think it's necessary to add anything else to the police department's plate," she said. Leone asked the council to allow time for public input before taking further action.
During the roll call on the introduction of Ordinance 25-05, the transcript records a majority of affirmative votes and at least two abstentions recorded during the roll-call sequence; the council set the hearing for Feb. 4, 2025. Additional public comment will be accepted at that hearing; the ordinance text and hearing notice will be published in accordance with borough procedures before the date.
The council followed this public-comment segment by introducing Ordinance 25-06 (short-term rentals) for first reading and scheduling the same Feb. 4 hearing.
The borough clerk and council indicated that official notices of introduction and the hearing will be published; the Feb. 4 meeting will be the opportunity for further public testimony and the council's final votes on both ordinances.
