Mahwah Council Tables Cannabis Ordinance Vote

MAHWAH, NJ — The Township Council has tabled an amended cannabis ordinance that would have allowed one retail business in the township, delaying a vote until at least early 2022.

Committee members passed an ordinance barring cannabis businesses from opening earlier this year, but discussed an amendment that would allow one cannabis retailer to open at 231 Route 17 North over the course of a special meeting and regular meeting.

However, with the matter tabled, the process begins anew. Council president David May estimated that the matter would be brought back up again sometime in the first quarter of 2022.

The new ordinance — 1956 — would also establish requirements and restrictions related to security, hours of operation, odor mitigation, signage and tax benefits to the township.

Mayor Jim Wysocki, who didn't vote on the matter, referenced his career in law enforcement during the meeting.

He cited his conversations with mayors in Colorado and Massachusetts, who cited economic benefits, minor traffic bumps, and a brief, but slight, uptick and crime immediately after opening.

Wysocki also shared their message to him: "If you decide to do it, make sure you do it right."

The proposed establishment has security plans in place, and is guided by the recently retired Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Chief of Detectives Robert Anzilotti. Wysocki said he is more than confident that Anzilotti can handle whatever security needs are forthcoming.

Wysocki himself worked for the BCPO, in narcotics. He shared a message that's stuck with him to this day, shared by a superior in 1989:

"The fight against narcotics is a losing battle. Some day, we may be able to regulate it and make it safe. Keep up the good fight, and be safe."

Wysocki supports the new business, stating that he believes the township has an opportunity for people to purchase cannabis safely.

Anzilotti himself spoke at the meeting, but concerns remained despite his law enforcement track record. Traffic log jams were foremost on that list, but some council members also wanted to present more information to the public.

Only one member voted against a measure to table the matter, expressing that they wanted to vote no on the ordinance.

"A little more time is only going to help," said council member George Ervin.

Because the matter was tabled, the process begins anew, with the ordinance going back to the planning board. Edits and adjustments can also be made to the ordinance, May said.

Watch the full meeting here: