The Hopewell Borough Council is encouraging residents to provide public input after releasing a draft ordinance allowing for cannabis retailer and delivery service establishments in the borough.
The draft ordinance was released on the borough website following a Council meeting on Aug. 4.
Borough council members will review public comments as the cannabis ordinance discussion continues into September.
“I’m encouraging people and council members to not wait until the end to get us any comments. If you give us any comments I would prefer them in writing,” Mayor Paul Anzano said. “As many people know this discussion is complicated, so comments [are encouraged] as soon as possible.”
A public hearing for the introduced ordinance is scheduled at 7 p.m., Sept. 8 in Borough Hall, according to officials.
In the new ordinance, Hopewell Borough will only allow one license for cannabis retailers, but there is no limit in licenses for cannabis delivery service businesses.
The proposed new ordinance comes after the Council voted against an ordinance allowing for the operation of two cannabis retailers in May.
Since then, the Council has been discussing potential controls that could be implemented by the governing body.
“We are getting the process going,” Councilman David Mackie said.
Cannabis retailers and delivery services are proposed to be conditional uses in the service zone, while cannabis retailers are conditional uses in the B-R zone (business zone).
With the new ordinance, the Council will not issue more than one resolution of support for applicants seeking a cannabis retailer license.
For delivery service licenses, the Council can issue multiple resolutions of support.
Council members are prohibiting cannabis cultivators, cannabis manufacturers, cannabis wholesalers and cannabis distributers from operating in Hopewell Borough.
Residents can review the ordinance on the borough website at www.hopewellboro-nj.us and send Borough Administrator Michele Hovan written comments at [email protected].