Representatives of a cannabis dispensary testified before the Feb. 8 Union Board of Adjustment seeking approval to open a cannabis dispensary on Route 22.
Attorney Joseph Paparo of Porzio, Bromberg and Newman, said the business, Botera Union, LLC, has plans to open a cannabis dispensary in a vacant retail space in an existing shopping center at 2290 Route 22 East, and is seeking a variance regarding the required setback from a residential zone and a variance for required parking.
Planner Thomas Ricci of Stonefield Engineering, said the proposed location does not conform to the ordinance for setback from a residential zone, which states the facility must be further than 1,500 feet from a residential zone. He said at the rear of the complex is a residential apartment complex. “The intent (of the ordinance) is to ensure that these dispensaries are not going to overburden or negatively impact neighborhoods,” Ricci said. He said most commercial properties in Union are within 1,500 feet of residential property because “the general layout of commercial corridors are commercial uses along the highway and they back up to residences.”