A plan to convert a vacant church into a marijuana cultivation facility has been approved by the township Planning Board.
In a marathon meeting that ended after 1 a.m. Friday, the board approved the proposal by Green Medicine NJ and GMNJ Properties to convert the former First Pentecostal Prayer of Faith Church at the intersection of Rock Road West and Route 518 into the cultivation facility.
Green Medicine bought the 22-acre parcel with the 29,000-square-foot empty church building for $2.45 million.
No changes to the exterior, footprint or height of the building are proposed. Green Medicine would also make all necessary repairs to the building and property and would plant trees along Rock Road West and Route 518.
The township has signed a host community agreement with Green Medicine calling for the company to pay an annual $100,000 community fee for five years, a total of $500,000 if the proposal is approved.