SCOTCH PLAINS — The township council last week enacted two cannabis-related ordinances that will tighten regulations on how those businesses are operated. One ordinance will prohibit drivethrough or walk-up windows at the local cannabis dispensaries on Route 22. The other will prohibit outdoor consumption areas at those establishments. Mayor Joshua Losardo said that only indoor consumption areas will be allowed. Presently, there are three such retail outlets — one on the eastbound side of the highway near the corner of Scotland Street and two on the westbound side situated on either side of the Glenside apartment complex on the former site of the Bowcraft Amusement Park.
At last week’s hearing on the 2024 municipal budget, it was noted that local revenue from the sale of cannabis is expected to be at least $125,000 this year. The municipal government receives 2 percent of sales proceeds from legal cannabis sales and plans to use that money for recreation programs and maintenance of parks and other public property.
The council also approved an ordinance reducing the speed limit on Lake Avenue to 25 miles per hour, with Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler saying that “residents were advocating for this for a while.”
The governing body further approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of a Request for Proposals for the installation of electric-vehiclecharging infrastructure in town. Councilman Matthew Adams said he was “excited we’re taking that initiative.”
Two ordinances were introduced that will be the subject of a public hearing on Tuesday, May 21. One will boost the fees for rental of the Shady Rest clubhouse while the other will authorize the acquisition of two utility easements on properties located on Pitching Way. Township Manager Al Mirabella explained that the state mandated that municipalities provide an alternate power supply for pump stations. The generator has been installed, he said, noting that the township has worked out an agreement with the two property owners. Mr. Mirabella praised the owners, who he said have been “extremely cooperative and extremely patient” during the process.
At the start of the meeting, several proclamations were read aloud, including one declaring April as Autism Awareness Month; another declaring April as Donate Life Month to encourage organ donation; a third declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Wednesday, April 24, as Denim Day, when people were urged to wear denim jeans to support survivors of sexual assault; another declaring the week of April 14 to 20 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, and another designating Saturday, May 4, as International Firefighters Day.
The council also honored Matthew Rosenthal, until recently the president of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Soccer Club, for his “dedication and leadership” during his time leading the league. CouncilmanAdams called Mr. Rosenthal a “tireless advocate” for the youth in the township.
