Ogdensburg to hold public hearing on cannabis commerce ban
Ogdensburg. The public will have a chance on July 12 to weigh in on the ordinance, which the borough council has approved unanimously.
| 07 Jul 2021 | 05:50
Cannabis cultivation is banned, along with five other licenses allowed by the state of New Jersey
The Ogdensburg council on June 15 unanimously approved an ordinance that prohibits all classes of cannabis commerce in the borough. Councilmen Nelson Alvarez, Alfonse DeMeo, and Anthony Nasisi were absent.
A public hearing on the ordinance will be held on Monday, July 12.
Borough attorney Robert McBriar gave some background on the law leading up to ordinances:
Gov. Phil Murphy signed three laws that went into effect on Feb. 22 that make the adult use of marijuana legal and decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance Marketplace Modernization Act creates six classes of licenses for cultivators, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and delivery services.
Municipalities have 180 days either to prohibit or allow some or none of these licenses. Approved licenses will remain valid for a five-year commitment period. Another 180-day review window follows after five years.
McBriar said the alternative was to prohibit all licenses, then, upon further review of additional data, the council can choose to regulate a license. The council can ban all six licenses then “go back and peel the layers of the onion back,” he said.
He said that based on the discussion at the last borough meeting and on the police chief’s recommendation, they prepared the most restrictive ordinance.
No municipality may prohibit the delivery of marijuana, whether medical or recreational, he said.
IN OTHER TOWN BUSINESS
Guard shack/snack stand: Councilman Michael Nardini said the Department of Public Works has been updating the building.
Heater’s Pond: Councilwoman Brenda Cowdrick said the opening date is June 23.
Water meter replacement: Councilman Michael Nardini said 46 meters had reading problems when he took over the project. Currently, 21 meters need to be reviewed.
Hydrants/water main: Nardini said hydrant maintenance was conducted throughout the borough, and there were no major breaks.
Zoning officer retires: Mayor George Hutnick announced that zoning officer Kevin Kervatt is retiring as of July 31.The council unanimously accepted Kervatt’s resignation. Alvarez was present for the announcement.
