A new amendment to Lopatcong Township’s zoning laws will permit “certain types” of cannabis businesses to open and operate, members of the township council said.
The council on Wednesday unanimously approved an amendment to reverse the township’s zoning ordinance 243.65, which prohibits all classes of cannabis businesses to operate in the township.
Instead, the amendments to the township’s prohibited uses clause now permit the operation of a limited number (1) of Class 5 cannabis retailers and separately clarify that truck stops of any kind are prohibited in all zones.
Class 5 cannabis retailers describe any business licensed to sell cannabis items and related supplies to consumers. It does not include cultivation, manufacture, wholesaling, distribution or delivery and courier services.
Council offered no comment on the decision at the regular meeting on Wednesday night.
Public records show that a business called “Nurse Wellness”, operating in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has proposed to develop a commercial building on a greenfield site at 1179 U.S. Highway 22. The business would offer numerous cannabis products, according to the township’s record. The cannabis sales would directly benefit Lopatcong via sales tax.
Michael Matthew, who presented his idea to council on Jan. 15, indicated that he is the owner of a chain of eight retail hemp businesses.
The Town of Phillipsburg also amended a portion of its zoning laws to accommodate the new “modern use” in September.
Lawmakers voted unanimously to change the permitted uses in the town’s District 1 Riverfront Redevelopment Area at One Riverside Way to include Class 5 cannabis retail at Block 201, Lot 9.
Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on X (formerly known as Twitter.com), Facebook and Threads.
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In a unanimous decision, the township council amended zoning laws, reversing their previous ban. Read More
