Edison, NJ – A proposed ordinance to expand zoning areas where cannabis businesses can operate in Edison Township has sparked heated opposition from residents and elected officials. A Change.org petition opposing the expansion has garnered nearly 2,200 signatures in less than two days, highlighting the depth of community concern.
Opponents of the zoning expansion cite a range of concerns, including:
Increased Access for Minors: Residents worry that having more marijuana dispensaries in the township will make it easier for minors to obtain and use the drug.
Traffic and Safety: Opponents fear an increase in traffic congestion and potential accidents, particularly near schools or residential areas if dispensaries are located there.
Changes to Community Character: Some residents believe that allowing more cannabis businesses will negatively impact the town’s overall image and family-friendly atmosphere having a negative impact on property values.
Public Health Concerns: Opponents cite potential public health risks associated with increased marijuana use, including addiction and mental health issues.
The Change.org petition, started by a Sai D a concerned Edison resident, has become a focal point for those against the zoning expansion. The petition states the current ordinance for marijuana businesses is sufficient and that further expansion is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the township.
“We strongly oppose the expansion of marijuana dispensaries in Edison,” said Board of Education member Shannon Peng “We believe it poses a threat to our children, our neighborhoods, and the well-being of our community.”
Despite the public backlash, Council President Nish Patel refuses to acknowledge the community’s concerns publicly. Some residents are calling for Nish Patel to recuse himself from the entire discussion. Patel’s neighbor and close family friend is one of the two current license holders that could potentially make millions of dollars if the ordinance is changed.
“I don’t want to see it all around our town like the massage parlors were, nobody wants to have massage parlors all over Edison and nobody wants to have pot shops all around Edison,” said Councilman Rich Brescher who noted all the additional locations are in the south side of the township where none of the council members reside. “To put this in neighborhoods where none of us live I think is wrong,” he said.
The issue of expanding marijuana zoning in Edison Township is likely to continue generating heated debate in the coming weeks. Residents on both sides of the issue are passionately voicing their opinions. The Change.org petition serves as a testament to the strong opposition that the proposed ordinance faces.
Council President Nish Patel faces a clear ethical dilemma regarding the marijuana zoning issue. His friendship with a license holder creates a potential conflict of interest that jeopardizes the public’s trust in the fairness of any decision he might influence.
Even if the Council President Nish Patel believes he can act impartially, the mere appearance of bias could damage the legitimacy of the process. The community deserves full confidence that zoning decisions are made solely in the public interest, based on objective criteria, and without favoritism towards any individual or business. Therefore, to uphold the highest standards of transparency and ethical conduct, the Council President must recuse himself from deliberations and voting on this matter.
