Edison, NJ – Council President Nish Patel’s proposal to expand zoning areas where marijuana dispensaries can operate in Edison, NJ is facing opposition from residents and elected officials. The current ordinance restricts marijuana establishments to a specific industrial zone in the Raritan Center. The proposed changes would potentially open areas adjacent to mixed use properties and residential neighborhoods.
Councilman Ajay Patil who was on the Council’s cannabis subcommittee three years ago and Councilman Rich Brescher both voted against the ordinance introduction. A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 28. “I don’t think we need to flood these businesses in Edison,” said Patil.
Councilman Rich Brescher said this is a quality-of-life issue. He said you don’t really need brick-and-mortar dispensaries when you can have marijuana delivered to your home.
“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 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.
Democratic County Committeeman from District 73, Biral Patel, stands firmly opposed to the proposed cannabis ordinance. Patel, who garnered the highest vote total among all committee seats in Edison’s June 2023 election and also serves as Board of Education President, cites widespread opposition to the ordinance within his district and surrounding neighborhoods.
He reports that many neighbors and friends have contacted Council members directly, urging them to reject the proposal. With two of the five proposed dispensary locations falling within his district and another nearby, Patel and his neighbors express significant concerns regarding potential negative impacts on their neighborhoods. Furthermore, they are deeply worried about the potential ill-effects of cannabis on the community’s youth.
Residents also spoke out against the ordinance. Nick Fagan questioned the reasoning behind the proposed change, asking “Who thought this measure was a good idea?” He highlighted the inconsistency with the Council’s prior decision to restrict cannabis businesses to the Raritan Center area, emphasizing the potential impact on nearby schools: “Why are we now trying to put it in neighborhoods right next to schools?” Anthony DeAmorin expressed concern about the potential negative consequences, stating, “I see this being more of a problem than a solution for the town.”
“While the previous standalone zone is well intended, it is not practical in several instances. The actual boundaries established are limited access from the general market who would use this cannabis product,” said Councilman John Poyner who was in support of the ordinance. Poyner acknowledged the concerns surrounding the potential impact on children but believes the responsibility lies with parents to educate their kids on the matter.
Councilwoman Margot Harris was also in support as she emphasized the potential financial benefit, citing the substantial tax revenue a neighboring community receives from marijuana sales. Harris also expressed hope that legal marijuana access could help in the fight against the fentanyl crisis.
Despite strong opposition from fellow elected officials and concerned members of the public, Council President Nish Patel, who also works as a pharmacist, appears determined to proceed with controversial zoning changes. Patel’s commitment to the rezoning initiative has sparked debate, with some questioning the motivation behind the changes and who are the individuals holding the current licenses. Residents and officials alike are voicing their concerns about how the revised zoning could impact their community, leading to heightened tensions and an uncertain outcome for the proposed plan.
The debate over expanding marijuana zoning in Edison highlights a clash within the community. While proponents see increased access and financial gains, opponents worry about the proliferation of dispensaries, their proximity to schools, and broader quality-of-life concerns. The council’s ultimate decision on this issue will shape the future landscape of marijuana sales in Edison.
