Decision On Marijuana Businesses In Bloomfield Nears For Council

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A decision on whether to allow marijuana businesses to operate in Bloomfield is coming down to the wire, with a state-imposed deadline just weeks away.

New Jersey voters approved recreational marijuana in November 2020. When state lawmakers crafted the legalization bill, they left room for municipalities to ban or limit the number of cannabis businesses operating in their communities. Read More: 5 Things You Need To Know About Marijuana Legalization In NJ

Town governments have until Aug. 21 to pass a law banning cannabis businesses. They will be able to repeal or alter their ordinances afterwards. If they don't pass an ordinance in that time, not only will marijuana businesses be allowed to operate, but local officials won't have another chance to issue a ban for a period of five years. Read More: Marijuana Is Legal In NJ. But Can Towns Still Ban It?

In June, the Bloomfield Town Council introduced an ordinance that could allow up to six cannabis-based retailers to set up shop, NorthJersey.com reported. All the retailer licenses would allow cannabis items and related supplies to be sold to customers.

• See related article: Bloomfield May Allow Marijuana Businesses, Report Says

Now, a second reading and public hearing is on the schedule for Monday, Aug. 16 in Bloomfield – and action is expected, officials say.

According to a public notice from the township:

“Notice is hereby given that the township of Bloomfield, county of Essex, state of New Jersey will hold a virtual special meeting pursuant to NJSA 10:4-9 on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021 at 5 p.m. for the second reading and public hearing on the following ordinance: AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 315, LAND DEVELOPMENT, OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE, PERMITTING CLASS 5, CANNABIS RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS AS CONDITIONAL USES IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND THE B-2, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT. Action will be taken by the mayor and council. There will be no other items on the agenda for discussion.”

The notice continues:

“The Monday, Aug. 16, 2021 special township council meeting will be closed to the general public. However, the meeting will be streaming live on Channel 35, (Comcast), Channel 30 (Verizon), YouTube and Facebook Live starting at 5 p.m. A link for the livestream will be posted on the township website, www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com. The public always has an opportunity to make public comment to the mayor and council during public meetings. However, with this new format, if you have a comment or a question, please submit it in writing to the township clerk at twpclerk@bloomfieldtwpnj.com. Submissions will be accepted until 4:45 p.m., Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. If you choose not to email and would rather speak during the meeting, please dial in using this number: 425-436-6348, Access: 277839#. When you are called upon, please state your name, address and then your comment. You will have five minutes total to speak. The agenda can be found on the township’s website.”

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