Officials: Medical Marijuana Center is Not a 'Done Deal' but Process Can’t Drag On

Manalapan residents and officials are still gathering information about the state’s proposed medical marijuana distribution center for a site on Route 33.

The topic was addressed at the March 23 Township Committee meeting in which Mayor Andrew Lucas, Committee members, and Manalapan’s Chief Health Officer David Richardson, provided more insight on this new, hot-button issue.

Committeeman Jordan Maskowitz, who was in law enforcement for 25 years, admitted that it is a “little difficult” for him to be on the legalization side of marijuana use and distribution.

Maskowitz said he understands the medical benefits of marijuana. His friend’s mother uses medical marijuana, and it has improved her day-to-day life.

“My concerns are one of security. I don’t want to see this be an extra burden on our police department, an extra burden on our taxpayers,” said Maskowitz.  

He wants to see the full plans for the facility, including the plan for security, before saying that he approves of the idea for Manalapan.  

Deputy Mayor Ryan Green was displeased that some media outlets, like the Asbury Park Press and NJ 101.5, made the distribution center seem like a definite plan when it is not.

Green said that by law, a marijuana facility cannot be placed in that location in Manalapan due to zoning complications.

“The medical marijuana distribution center – it’s actually called an Alternative Treatment Center, an ATC - is not a done deal,” said Green, adding that there is plenty of time to research and get public input.  

Alesha Boyd Williams of the Asbury Park Press reported a more exact address of the facility at Route 33 and Madison Avenue. Boyd also wrote that the company, Breakwater Alternative Treatment Corporation, is represented by attorney and former Manalapan mayor, Richard H. Klauber.

To Green’s understanding, the applicant hasn’t reached an agreement with the owner of the building, who might not even want the facility there.

“I don’t want anyone to think this is definitely happening; it’s not happening yet. We’re at the beginning of this process to really consider this project and really learn as much as we can about what they’re proposing,” said Green.

Green said that if the owner of the building is interested in housing the facility, the applicant will have to equest relief in front of the zoning board. The board will then schedule a public hearing on the application. Green said he will publicize that event so that residents may attend and voice their opinions.

During the meeting, Mayor Andrew Lucas emphasized that the township has been working “hour by hour” after receiving the proposal that came down from the state. He and other town officials were surprised by the news of the center, which many first heard about in the newspapers.

“There will be plenty of opportunities for residents to have public input into this application,” said Lucas.

Lucas then introduced Manalapan’s Chief Health Officer David Richardson.

Richardson provided the background of medical marijuana in New Jersey, which was formally legalized in the January 2010 New Jersey Compassionate Use Marijuana Act. The legislation was approved in January 2010 by Governor Corzine shortly before he left office.

2010 saw the development of administrative rules for medical marijuana distribution. Companies were given from Jan. 17, 2011 to Feb. 14 to submit their applications, and over the next four weeks, the states evaluated the applications. On March 21, the state approved six sites in north, central, and south Jersey. The site in Manalapan is one of two in central New Jersey that were approved.

Richardson is planning a public forum for residents, Manalapan officials, medical experts, and representatives from Breakwater to discuss the proposal. A tentative date for the forum is Monday, April 25.

Richardson also said that the plan is being put together rapidly, and he doesn’t want the approval process to last too long. Meanwhile, NJ.com reported that the Christie administration is trying to repeal some of the administrative rules and start over – a process that could delay the start of the program.

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