In year 2021, Council Vice President Sam Joshi, who’s running for Mayor with the endorsement of Governor Phil Murphy, made the motion to introduce the ordinance. Council President Bob Diehl explained the second hearing would be a special meeting for hearing on August 19th in time for the August 21st deadline.
The ordinance says, “No licensed retail cannabis business shall be located in or upon any premises in which a grocery store, delicatessen, indoor food market.” According to the ordinance, “The area southeast of Woodbridge Avenue between Amboy Avenue and Mill Road” will be the only area cannabis firms can be based with the 1000 feet condition away from spiritual facilities, schools, day care, residential, college etc.
In year 2022, after becoming a Mayor, Joshi recommended approving two cannabis retail business licenses to his closely connected allies. When they could not find the location in the zoned location that was approved in year 2021, Mayor Joshi recommended changing zones in late 2024. The proposed ordinance would have established the following areas as permissible for cannabis establishments waving 1000 feet condition of areas zoned for any class of residential use, according to the township code:
- National Road from Talmadge Road to the Cul-de-sac
- Talmadge Road from New Durham Road to Route 27
- Carter Road from Talmadge Road to the Cul-de-sac
- US Route 1 from Plainfield Ave to Old Post Road (south)
- Woodbridge Avenue from Plainfield Avenue to the Garden State Parkway Ramp
Mayor Joshi has secured support of five Council Members – Council President Nish Patel, Council Vice President Margot Harries, Councilman John Poyner (all three won election on Mayor Joshi’s ticket in 2021), Asaf Shmuel and Councilman Joseph Coyle to pass this changed ordinance. Only two council members – Councilman Richard Brescher and Councilman Ajay Patil were against the changed ordinance.
This proposal faced immediate opposition from residents who expressed concerns about increased access for minors, potential traffic congestion, and negative impacts on property values and the community’s character.
The public’s response was swift and vocal, with a Change.org petition opposing the expansion garnering nearly 5000 signatures in less than four days. Council President Nish Patel initially supported the ordinance but later withdrew it from a scheduled vote due to the overwhelming public backlash. Despite this, questions arose regarding potential conflicts of interest, five council members were firm to pass the ordinance but after further push from two opposing council members and public, council voted down the Cannabis Ordinance.
Mayor Joshi has championed New Master Plan which reflects cannabis zones. This master plan was approved by the Planning Board which is appointed by the Mayor Joshi.
Active community representative explaining the Master Plan and Planning Board relation:
Cannabis Buffer Zone removal update from Mayor Joshi’s Business Administration: