A marijuana growing and processing facility proposal for an existing building in town moved a step forward when members of the town's Planning Board said they were not against the concept.
Newton Agriculture, the company behind the proposal, will now move to invest in architectural and engineering studies as its next step, said its representatives.
The Newton Agriculture plan calls for growing and processing recreational-use marijuana in parts of the existing red brick building that takes up the corner of Mill and Clinton streets.
The town is the only municipality in Sussex County to pass ordinances that allow for all phases of marijuana businesses. The state has set up categories for the cultivation, processing, distribution and sales of recreational marijuana.
Newton Agriculture is being formed as a minority-owned growing business with Sussex County resident Scott Paul as the principal. As explained during the meeting, minority-owned operations will get points toward getting state approval.
Paul is also one of four individuals seeking a seat on the county's Board of County Commissioners. Also running in the Nov. 2 race, are incumbents Dawn Fantasia and Christopher Carney and challenger Mike Vrabel.