A largely agricultural area in northern Vineland is open now to businesses seeking to grow and manufacture recreational marijuana products, even though official city policy restricts such activities to industrial areas.
After a public hearing Wednesday night, the municipal Zoning Board voted 6 to 1 to set aside the City Council-approved restriction and issue a use variance to a company lined up to buy about 18.5 acres off Old Forest Grove Road and North West Boulevard. The property presently belongs to Turf Construction.
Zoning Board member Victoria Lods, who made the motion for approval, said she sees no evidence the project would significantly damage the neighborhood or city zoning plans.
“Quite frankly, I see this as a perfect marriage of what Vineland has always been about, which is agriculture, and being able to be successful, run a business, and support your family here in this city,” Lods said. “I think this marries industry and our agricultural past perfectly.”