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Lakehurst adopts ordinance to allow light cannabis manufacturing in B‑1 downtown zone after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with both opponents and supporters, the Lakehurst Borough Council voted to adopt Ordinance #2025‑13 to amend the land‑use code to permit light cannabis manufacturing in the B‑1 downtown zone; the Land Use Board will review site details.
On Nov. 6 the Lakehurst Borough Council adopted Ordinance #2025‑13 on second reading to amend Chapter 25 (Land Development) to permit light cannabis manufacturing in the B‑1 downtown zoning district.
Councilman Brian DiMeo emphasized the scope of the change during the hearing: “we are not talking about a spot, we are talking about a zone,” and said the Cannabis Committee has been continuously evaluating the ordinance as new information became available.
Several residents spoke during the public hearing. Heather Cramer of Colonial Bouquet said she opposed locating manufacturing in the downtown area, arguing it would not attract customers, could damage downtown roads due to truck traffic and disturb neighbors; she suggested Route 70 might be a better option and questioned potential litigation if manufacturing zoning were restricted to cannabis alone. Kathy Abrahamsen and other residents echoed concerns about preserving downtown character and asked whether other locations had been considered. Bruce Margeson said he supported the change, citing disrepair and struggling businesses in the downtown area.
Mayor Harry Robbins clarified that B‑1 extends from the post office to Elm Street and that the Land Use Board would later address site‑level design matters such as lighting and building appearance. After public comment closed, Councilman Brian DiMeo moved to adopt the ordinance and Council President Steven Oglesby seconded; the minutes record a roll call with the listed council members recorded in the 'Ayes' column.
What the ordinance does: The amendment opens the B‑1 zone to light cannabis manufacturing operations while leaving retail uses intact; site selection, design standards and operational conditions would be determined through subsequent land‑use and permitting processes.
Claims and responses: Residents warned of potential negative effects on downtown character and traffic; council members and proponents argued the change would provide options to address downtown disrepair and economic decline. Attorney Ian Goldman said the idea originated with local people and business owners who proposed the area for such uses.
What happens next: The Land Use Board review and any permitting process will determine whether particular properties are ultimately used for manufacturing and what site‑specific conditions will apply.
