The Secaucus Town Council approved changes to local cannabis regulations at their June 25th meeting, but the decision was far from unanimous, revealing divisions within the council.
Ordinance No. 2024-8, which expands the existing 2% medical cannabis transfer tax to include adult-use cannabis, passed with a 4-3 vote. Mayor Michael Gonnelli joined Councilmen Robert Costantino, Mark Dehnert, and John Gerbasio in supporting the change. Council members William McKeever, James Clancy, and Orietta Tringali voted against the ordinance.
The council also voted 4-3 to pass Ordinance No. 2024-9. This ordinance dictates where cannabis businesses can operate within town limits. The ordinance permits cannabis establishments in the Light Industrial A Zone and the Commercial Park Zone with several restrictions. Notably, these businesses must be located more than 1,000 feet from any schools, daycares, libraries, houses of worship, or drug treatment centers. The permitted areas are also limited to specific lots within those zones.
The votes on both ordinances were two of the most divisive among council members in recent memory. While the “yes” votes argued in favor of needed revenue and controlled expansion of cannabis businesses within Secaucus, the “no” votes expressed concerns about the potential impact on youth and the limited scope of the zoning changes.
This contentious issue is sure to continue generating debate in Secaucus as the state further develops its cannabis industry. The Secaucus Scoop will continue to provide updates on this developing story and its impact on our town.