Cannabis

As a new mayor, my team pledges to protect schools and residential neighborhoods from cannabis businesses and repeal a controversial ordinance.

🔧 Immediate Actions:

1. Call for a Council Review and Repeal

   • Request a formal review of the cannabis zoning ordinance.

   • Introduce or support a repeal or amendment ordinance that reinstates stricter buffer zones (e.g., 1,000 feet from schools, playgrounds, and residential zones).

2. Engage with the Planning and Zoning Boards

   • Work with Planning Board to recommend new zoning overlays that restrict cannabis businesses to specific commercial corridors, far from sensitive areas.

3. Enact a Temporary Moratorium (if legally viable)

   • Evaluate if Edison can enact temporary moratoriums on new cannabis applications while zoning is reassessed Enable legal team to look into this matter on priority.

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🛡️ Long-Term Protections

1. Update the Master Plan

   • A revised municipal Master Plan will explicitly define cannabis-free zones. Once adopted, this plan can guide zoning decisions more defensibly.

2. Adopt a “Sensitive Use Buffer” Ordinance

   • Beyond schools, define other sensitive uses like daycare centers, houses of worship, libraries, etc., and expand buffer zones.

3. Community Advisory Panel

   • Establish a panel including parents, educators, and law enforcement to advise on cannabis-related policy impacts and public safety.

4. Regular Public Forums

   • Host open forums to maintain transparency, build trust, and listen to residents’ concerns about cannabis or other zoning issues.

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📝 Communication

If the public feedback is to repeal an ordinance which is already passed:

• I along with Council, will clarify rationale (e.g., protecting children, preserving residential character) for repeal.

• I along with Council, will reaffirm my stance is evidence-based, not anti-business.