LAKEHURST – While it wasn’t on the agenda for a vote, the subject of an ordinance that would expand areas where cannabis manufacturing could exist was the topic residents wanted to talk about during the latest Borough Council meeting.
Resident Andrew Decher started a petition in opposition to Ordinance #2025-13 that will have its second reading during the council’s November 6 meeting. The petition can be found at chng.it/wXwWbryGrQ.
“I’m calling on the Borough of Lakehurst to reject Ordinance #2025-13 which proposes the establishment of a marijuana distributor/manufacturer in our downtown area (potentially at the site of the old hardware store on Union Avenue). This facility would not sell directly to the public, and placing a closed-door business like this in the center of town doesn’t align with the vision many of us have for our vibrant Main Street.”
Decher added, “this is not an argument against cannabis businesses or their value; it’s about ensuring that the town’s core remains a place that thrives on engagement and connectivity. We envision our downtown as a bustling, lively location with storefronts that welcome residents and visitors alike. Establishments like a café, a brewery, or a gym not only add character but also encourage foot traffic essential for a thriving community.”
If approved the ordinance would allow a marijuana manufacturing and distribution facility to operate in Lakehurst’s B-1 Downtown Zone. Mayor Harry Robbins and members of council advocated in favor of the ordinance as it would provide a much needed ratable that will help offset a 35% increase in insurance costs passed down recently by the state.
“We believe that other areas within Lakehurst could better accommodate such a facility without compromising the unique fabric of our downtown. Let’s protect the charm and economic vitality of our town center by making thoughtful choices about the types of businesses we welcome,” Decher’s petition states.
Several residents expressed their opposition to the idea of having a cannabis manufacturing business on Union Avenue. Decher said “I believe by November 2 that we will have 500, 600 or 700 people who disagree with this ordinance and I just wanted to put it out there that these are people you represent.”
Responding to a comment that such a ratable would offer nothing to the community, Mayor Robbins said, “it offers hundreds of thousands of dollars to the community.” He noted that the amount of money that the borough picked up from just one of the cannabis retail businesses saved the borough from an eight percent increase within its budget this year.
“I don’t see how it hurts your business,” the mayor told a florist shop owner. “The façade on that building looks just like yours.”
“This is just not the spot,” the business owner responded.
The mayor also responded to a resident who asked what the facility might look like if approved, explaining that “the Land Use Board will dictate what it would look like and what they can do with the property.”
The borough’s original cannabis ordinance allows for manufacturing only in the light industrial zone. Ordinance 2025-13 which was introduced at a September 4 council meeting went on to the September 22 Land Use Board agenda where it received a tie vote.
The mayor explained that meant that it did not pass. The Board will be sending its recommendations on modifying the ordinance to the governing body.
The mayor and members of council assured residents that a vote on November 6 would be in open session with a public hearing prior to the vote.
The Borough currently has two cannabis retail businesses that are open and a third one that is proposed next to Jim’s Auto Sales. That third retail business is scheduled to go before the Land Use Board at its October 27 meeting.
Other Borough Business
Also discussed were the speed reduction plans for Union and Brown avenues that would drop speed limits from 35 to 30 miles per hour and 30 to 25 miles per hour.
Mayor Robbins clarified that Union Avenue will go down to 30 instead of 35 mph. At Brown it will drop down to 25. “The railroad tracks to the circle will be 25.”
Councilwoman Patricia Hodges noted that hydrant flushing would be taking place this month. She said a fire truck was going up for public auction and she commended the Department of Public Works who “did a great job on the bulkheading” at Horicon Lake.
She also mentioned that over a period of three years a change in the DPW uniform cleaning service firm would save the borough around $64,000.
Councilman Jeffrey Emmons brought up a regulation for those found to be sleeping in the woods that would provide for the person, presumably homeless or impaired, to get assistance by a nonprofit organization and would later receive a summons.
Dugan reminded residents that the Lakehurst Borough Historical Society will be hosting an Antique Appraisal event from noon to 3 p.m. on October 25 at the Community Center on Center Street. The first item would cost $10 with $5 to follow and lite refreshments would be served.
