EDISON, NJ – In a dramatic about-face, Council President Nish Patel has withdrawn a controversial marijuana re-zoning ordinance from its scheduled February 28th vote. The decision follows a groundswell of public opposition, spearheaded by a Change.org petition that rapidly collected over 2,375 signatures in less than three days.
The proposed ordinance, which would have re-zoned certain neighborhoods in South Edison to allow cannibis dispensaries, sparked immediate concern among Edison residents.
Many expressed fears that the change would lead to increased traffic, lowered property values, have a negative impact on the character of neighborhoods and the potential increased access for children. The online petition became a focal point for the community’s dissent, with residents voicing their frustration and calling for the Council President to reconsider.
Acknowledging the backlash, the Council President issued a statement via email on Sunday February 25th at 9:13am announcing his decision to return the ordinance to the subcommittee. The subcommittee will be headed by Council President Nish Patel and Councilman John Poyner, who will now work on revisions with input from Mayor Sam Joshi.
However, the statement left several key questions unanswered. The Council President did not address ongoing concerns about a potential conflict of interest. Council President Nish Patel’s close friend and neighbor is one of the current license holders and could make millions of dollars if the re-zoning ordinance passes.
The plain language guide to New Jersey’s Executive Branch Ethics Standard is clear when it comes to conflicts of interests stating, “You may not act in any official matter in which you, your family, or your close friends have a direct or indirect personal or financial interest. Rather, you should recuse yourself and ask someone else to perform the task.”
Residents are now questioning whether Patel’s involvement in the redrafting process is appropriate. Additionally, the Council President did not indicate if he intends to recuse himself from further deliberations on the ordinance.
Edison has a long history of unethical behavior when it comes to zoning approvals. In April 1998, the former Mayor of Edison, Samuel V. Convery Jr., plead guilty in Federal Court to a federal misdemeanor after offering to help a town official in exchange for persuading two members of the Township Zoning Board to approve a building permit.
The public’s swift and forceful response highlights the growing debate surrounding marijuana re-zoning in Edison. As that debate intensifies it is clear both state and federal law enforcement agencies will be monitoring very closely.
The revised ordinance is expected to be presented to the council at an unspecified later date.
