Breakwater Treatment and Wellness went before the zoning board at a March 28 meeting. The company headquartered in Cranbury deals in medical marijuana and does not sell for recreational use. It had hoped to expand and open a third store on Memorial Avenue in Asbury Park.
But board members unanimously rejected the proposal even as members expressed support for marijuana use and the company itself.
Board member Daniel Harris told the company's representatives that he was not bothered by either medicinal or recreational marijuana use. However, he was bothered by the idea of overriding a resolution passed by city council in August 2022.
"We would set a dangerous precedent for the city council and for the citizens of Asbury Park," Harris said. Jill Potter, who also serves on the zoning board, agreed.
Mayor John Moor and all members of city council gave their support to resolution 2022-360, which stated it was their intent "to specifically prohibit all forms of cannabis establishments, whether medical or adult use/recreational, from locating within" the city.