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Millville commission approves suitability resolution for proposed cannabis grow despite local objections
Summary
After public presentations for and against a proposed cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facility at 415 South Second Street, the Millville City Commission approved a resolution finding the location suitable by a 3–0 vote with two abstentions. Speakers debated jobs, safety measures and proximity to a school.
The Millville City Commission on Monday approved a resolution declaring a proposed cannabis cultivation and manufacturing site suitable in the city, following public presentations that highlighted potential economic benefits and concerns about a facility’s proximity to a school.
Rudy Santan, chief executive officer of Sufi Cannabis Inc., described plans for the site at 415 South Second Street (block 529, lot 1.01) and said the company would operate a fully enclosed cultivation and manufacturing facility with 24‑hour surveillance, fencing and filtered‑air systems to control odor. "We project over about up to 100 jobs with our cannabis cultivation alone," Santan told the commission, and said the project could attract "between 5 to 10 million in startup capital." He said the company expects to contribute to the city under a 2% transfer tax, projecting between $50,000 and $200,000 over 10 years.
Opposition came from Pastor Brian Robinson of First United Methodist Church and moderator of the Millville Ministers Association, who said religious leaders "could not support" siting a product that he described as causing "addictive behavior" so close to a school. "Putting this so close to a school may seem like it's sending a mixed message to some," Robinson said.
Commission debate touched on safety, municipal experience with an existing grow facility and emergency preparedness. A commissioner described attending a fire‑department drill at Millville’s operating facility and said certain rooms can seal and isolate a fire; another cited tax revenue figures from nearby Vineland as context for potential city benefits.
On the roll call, Commissioner Hwitt voted yes; Vice Mayor Watson and Commissioner Kasabun recorded abstentions; Commissioner Suie and Mayor Ramenik voted yes. The tally was three in favor, zero opposed and two abstentions, and the resolution was approved.
The vote establishes the commission’s formal support for the site’s "suitability" under municipal procedures. It does not by itself grant zoning or state licensing; state approval and any required municipal land‑use or licensing steps remain separate. Commissioners and staff said they would continue to follow regulatory and safety requirements if the project's next steps proceed.
Next steps: the resolution is a local suitability finding that the applicant can include in state licensing filings; the commission did not adopt land‑use approvals or site permits in this meeting.
