RED BANK – Municipal officials have introduced an ordinance that would, if adopted, permit the operation of an alternative treatment center in designated areas of Red Bank that authorize retail uses.
There are currently no plans or authorization from the state to open or operate such a facility – a center that specializes in the sale of medical marijuana – in the municipality.
During the Sept. 12 meeting of the Borough Council, officials voted to introduce an ordinance that would amend an existing land development ordinance that, at present, does not address the planning and development protocol for an alternative treatment center, if one were to be proposed and/or authorized in Red Bank.
Council members, who said they would support the sale of medical marijuana in Red Bank, have previously discussed issues regarding the placement of an alternative treatment center in the municipality.
According to the ordinance that was before the governing body on Sept. 12, additions will be made to the borough’s land use ordinance to accommodate the implementation of an alternative treatment center if one were to be proposed in the future.
An alternative treatment center would be considered a retail commercial use and would be required to adhere to the same requirements of other retail facilities in Red Bank, according to the ordinance.
A public hearing on the matter has been scheduled for the council’s Oct. 10 meeting.
At present, there are six alternative treatment centers operating in New Jersey; two in northern New Jersey, two in central New Jersey and two in southern New Jersey. State officials have said they plan to authorize six additional alternative treatment centers.