285-22 Resolution Temporarily Suspending the Acceptance of Applications for Local Support of Proposed Cannabis Businesses.pdf

285-22 October 25, 2022 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, pursuant to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act in 2021 (the “State Statute”) and the N.J.A.C. 17:30-5.1(g) of the regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (the “Commission”) applicants for a state license to operate a cannabis business within the State of New Jersey must include in its application “proof of local support for the suitability of a cannabis business’s proposed location indicating that the intended location is appropriately located or otherwise suitable for activities related to the operations of the proposed cannabis business” (“Local Support”); and WHEREAS, on July 13, 2021, the Township Council for the Township of West Orange (the “Township”) adopted Ordinance 2647-21 (the “Cannabis Ordinance”) which establishes both the zoning requirements and the Township’s licensing requirements for Licensed Cannabis Entities which seek to operate within the Township; and WHEREAS, on July 13, 2021, the Township Council also adopted resolution 188-21 authorizing the establishment of a Taskforce and Advisory Committee regarding Cannabis Businesses for the Township (the “Taskforce”) to assist and advise with the implementation of the Township’s regulations governing cannabis related businesses within the Township; and WHEREAS, the Township through the Taskforce has accepted, reviewed, and evaluated application for resolutions of Local Support from applicants seeking to operate a cannabis related business within the Township; and WHEREAS, the Township Council has adopted five (5) resolutions of Local Support to applicants who now have pending applications for licenses from the Commission (the “Commission Applicants”); and WHEREAS, the Township seeks to temporarily suspend the consideration of

applications for resolutions of Local Support to monitor how these Commission Applicants are pending with the Commission for licenses from the State of New Jersey; and WHEREAS, the Township seeks to allow the Taskforces to shift focus on finalizing the application process for Local Licenses to be issued by the Township and for the review and evaluation of applications for Local Licenses as the Commission Applicants obtain licenses for from the State of New Jersey and must come back to the Township for Local Licenses to operate a cannabis business within the Township; and WHEREAS, the Township seeks to provide notice to prospective Applicants for Resolutions of Local Support sufficient time to finalize and submit their respective applications for Resolutions of Local Support and allow acceptance of applications until December 1, 2022. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE, that as of December 1, 2022, the Township will suspend the acceptance and consideration of applications for Resolutions of Local Support pending the outcome of the applications of the Commission Applicants or until such time as the Township determines to end this temporary suspension; and be it further RESOLVED, that notice shall be posted on the Township website advising that the Township will temporarily suspend the consideration of application for resolutions of Local Support as of December 1, 2022; and be it further RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution shall be made available in the Clerk’s office in accordance with applicable law. Karen J. Carnevale, RMC, Municipal Clerk Susan McCartney, Council President Adopted: October 25, 2022