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a_trane13 t1_jcp529p wrote

But the Ashford really does wonders for the peaceful family atmosphere downtown

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JeromePowellAdmirer OP t1_jcp5epq wrote

A cannabis dispensary’s dreams of opening in the Village neighborhood of Downtown Jersey City went up in smoke this week when a not-in-my-back-yard campaign swayed the city’s Cannabis Control Board.

Complaints had been lobbed by parents, local business owners and a real estate developer against The Green Ashram because it’s proposed location, 17 Division St., is near schools and a private daycare. An online petition against the business’ location garnered nearly 1,000 signatures.

The NIMBY lobbying ultimately worked, even if the critics couldn’t specify anything illegal about the business: The city’s cannabis board rejected the Green Ashram application, 3-1, Monday, effectively shutting out any chances of it opening.

The denial is believed to be the first time a Jersey City cannabis applicant was rejected because of community outrage — as opposed to regulations — in a city where officials have embraced the cannabis industry and dozens of businesses have applied after statewide legalization.

“There’s not been a mobilization like this,” said board member Stacey Flanagan. “Yes, half of this is dreams, and half of this is reality. The reality is (that) you need to do more to get more, and I don’t feel like that was accomplished here.”

Through an attorney, the owners of The Green Ashram declined to comment on the rejected application.

Green Ashram’s three co-owners had planned to work with a domestic violence organization, host expungement clinics and hire minorities to fulfill the required social equity component. They also had a few endorsements, including from a local cannabis workers’ union. But the community was steadfast against the application at the meeting.

Parents whose children attend the Brunswick School, a private daycare, said the hundreds of kids that attend would be put at risk, and so would students at the public schools nearby.

“The family part of Newark Avenue, there’s so many children,” said Zoe Martinson, who has a child that attends the Brunswick School. “There are two parks that have kids events in the summer, there’s a daycare that has a lot of students, there’s child haircuts, there’s Little Gym, it’s just an area that isn’t conducive (and) doesn’t serve the community.”

Jersey City regulations say that a cannabis business must submit to the board a list of childcare centers within 200 feet of its location for consideration. No such places were flagged; Green Ashram is roughly 340 feet away from Brunswick School. Also, cannabis laws, like alcohol statutes, prohibit cannabis use in public.

So far, only two cannabis applicants in Jersey City have state approval to open: Blossom Dispensary on Tonnelle Ave., who plan to open in this fall after obtaining final local approvals, and WR Wellness in the Powerhouse Arts District, who’s opening date was unable to be determined.

Last year, another Downtown cannabis applicant, Local Modiv, sued to overturn a cannabis board rejection over a supposed lack of local support. A judge ruled in favor of the applicants and remanded it back to the board, and was eventually approved this January.

Jersey City residents voted by a 3-to-1 margin in the 2020 statewide referendum to legalize marijuana, with 61,449 people voting yes and 19,475 voting no.

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seaburn t1_jcp65qy wrote

Why aren’t they fighting liquor stores being opened in the same area?

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garth_meringue t1_jcp741b wrote

I can always get second hand weed smoke from the comfort of my own home thanks to neighbors, so I wouldn't be too worried about a dispensary.

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upnflames t1_jcp7wru wrote

Replying to seaburn (#2,262,736)

I think weed is going to have a harder time being openly acceptable because people hate the way it smells and a lot of people openly smoke while walking around outside. With alcohol, you're not really bothering anyone unless you're hammered.

I mean, I smoke weed and that's just my take. Like, time and a place ya know? I'm definitely not a fan of every public space smelling like weed every nice day outside. I know many pot advocates do a lot of hand waving over this, but I can tell you, a lot of folks really dislike this aspect of legalization, both smokers and non smokers.

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seaburn t1_jcp9mdn wrote

Replying to upnflames (#2,262,834)

Not that I disagree, but it’s still considered public intoxication and public consumption to smoke it out in the open. Not sure legal dispensaries are linked to an increase in public consumption in any way, like liquor stores leading to public consumption. If anything, more available dispensaries means more edible/non-smokable products for residents.

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garth_meringue t1_jcpai53 wrote

Replying to upnflames (#2,262,834)

Right, most people don't care about the "vice" aspect, it's the nuisance. Almost no one would care if consumption were only edibles, it's the smoke and odor.

Cigarette smoking has already been pushed to the fringes for awhile now, it's not like people are going to suddenly welcome weed smoke.

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No-Practice-8038 t1_jcpak3e wrote

Replying to upnflames (#2,262,834)

Thank you for some real truth. I was all in for medical dispensaries but did not agree to the rush for full legalization. I see kids smoking before school. See shops openly selling. The guy who holds the door at the Dunkin’ Donut near my work illegally selling weed and other miracle drugs with no consequences. I used to luv walking around New York City but every other block all you see is dealers, people smoking in public and that nasty stink. I have come home smelling a bit too.

−13

Ezl t1_jcpaw2d wrote

Replying to kraghis (#2,262,998)

Thanks for the link! I’m honestly surprised as I’ve consistently heard that public use was prohibited as it is for alcohol from the earliest days. Never thought to actually look it up since I never saw it be disputed. Interesting.

Edit: I wonder if it’s just loose language in that document making it seem like the first sentence about smoking in private is separate for the rest when it should be viewed as a global statement. Literally ever other source (including other areas of nj.gov and legal and ACLU websites) say smoking in public is prohibited.

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Substantial-Floor926 t1_jcpbdk4 wrote

Is this the doing of Little Gym? That place sucks. Don’t try and control our neighborhood

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fastAFguy t1_jcpbyv0 wrote

Hope these fucks get a massive tax hike next reval. 👋🏾

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miranomejoda t1_jcpe0tb wrote

Replying to kraghis (#2,262,998)

Recreational marijuana use is not legal in public. Only on private property or consumption lounges.

You can not smoke marijuana in any park, beach, federal property or land.

Medical patients can smoke anywhere you can smoke cigarettes

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miranomejoda t1_jcpfshh wrote

Replying to kraghis (#2,263,199)

https://www.aclu-nj.org/en/know-your-rights/cannabis-legalization-what-it-means-you-and-your-rights

https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2022/04/april-21-recreational-use-marijuana-legal-cannabis-regulatory-commission-medical-marijuana-facts-outstanding-questions/

​

Google around. Forget all the "marketing" sites that omit a ton of wording for clickbait purposes.

​

now do i expect cops to go around fining everyone walking around smoking? no but you can get into a situation where sherrifs or marshalls can still $#@! up your day. yes.

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So-Many-Shrimp t1_jcpgr9o wrote

Jokes on them. I already buy weed right around there all the time.

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iseedoubleu t1_jcptjl3 wrote

I wonder if some of these parents are the ones who bring their children to Healy's

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MightyBigMinus t1_jcputzl wrote

Why would they want to be that far out of the way anyway? Like what is driving them to that location? I know a food truck just moved to a restaurant around there, is it simply the cheapest rentable space in the area (by virtue of being kindof a hike from everything)?

Why not in any of the very vacant places near the grove and exchange place paths? Are the landlords refusing their business or just charging too much? And how the fuck do landlords charge too much when they have empty units.

Like as much as I hate nimby's and would rather they have lost here... why is this at the edge of the neighborhood in the first place?

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one-mo-gin t1_jcpvt37 wrote

These NIMBYs should pick a fight that would actually help ensure their kids’ safety, like maybe doing something about the out of control and reckless drivers in this area.

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Affectionate-Buy2539 t1_jcpz15d wrote

My prediction: The parents who complained are the same ones who will be shocked in 10-15 years when their kid has a major rebellion to their attitudes and prejudices. I can already hear the "we didn't raise you like this!" arguments.

ETA: Down voters know it's true -- and it's their worst fear 😂

−2

Ilanaspax t1_jcq02om wrote

Good thing this only affects the people who aren’t cool enough to know where to buy it illegally. 😎

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Dylan_1400 t1_jcq2nx4 wrote

Replying to lastinglovehandles (#2,263,475)

In modern day, being okay with weed in an area is so much separated by political party anymore, I’m from jersey and know a HELL OF A LOT more right leaning people that smoke weed than left leaning, I can’t count the amount of people on the left I know who smoke on my 2 hands, but I know atleast a hundered people, mostly from school (cus every kid and their cousin smoked at my school) who identify as right and smoke. And I grow up in a suburban area, not quite white picket fence but def tons of entitled white people. Most of the 30y/o+ people in this area are left, and don’t really like it, but 80% or so of my generation are right, and a similar percentage smokes. It’s funny how things change because 50 years ago it would be the complete opposite, even less of a time frame.

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mooseLimbsCatLicks t1_jcq7i8t wrote

There’s weed shops all over. Who cares if one wasn’t allowed to open.

−1

gigiwasabi_jc t1_jcq8mz1 wrote

It’s legal, zoning regulations exist. But these people get to subvert both of those things with their ignorant, entitled temper tantrum. (I’m not at all surprised, just pissed.)

Best part is, they’re all just making a temporary pit stop in JC to flip real estate and play at being cool parents (eyeroll) til their kids are school aged.

They shut down a small business (that sounds equity-minded) permanently, while in a couple of years they’ll fuck right back off to the suburbs they came from. (And brought their shitty self-centered attitudes from.)

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robocub t1_jcqesjg wrote

I'm so sick of the fake outrage by these people with their it's always about the children fk'n fake bullshit. They're gonna pull the same bullshit even if cannabis lounge is nowhere near a park, school, or daycare. Frankly I'd like to see less goddam baby carriages all over the streets and blocking walkways and entryways to establishments, buildings, and stores. Now thats a nuisance!

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ffejie t1_jcqgezc wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#2,264,590)

The write off is good, but it's always better to have income than no income. The issue for some of these landlords is that they control many hundreds of units sometimes, and lowering one sets the "market rate" and might end up lowering them all at next renewal.

For instance, imagine a $10K/mo spot that's vacant. But you could rent it at $8K/mo easily. You're giving up $8K x 12 every year, $96K! But if you have 5 other units renting at $10K on the same block and at renewal they'll pay market rate, you could lose $2K per month per renewal which would eat up your increased revenue. This is happening all over Manhattan especially where there's only a few landlords for a lot of the commercial space.

Meanwhile, you can write off the $120K loss with no tenant (possibly, depends on a variety of things) which might save you $40K-$60K on your taxes.

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DSM201 t1_jcqintr wrote

I wonder what does this mean for Garden Greenz(Jemma Loan) since it’s a few doors down from a daycare

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drs7896 t1_jcql7t3 wrote

Was really sad that a business was denied to open because a few women came and cried in front of the board because they’re scared of a dispensary opening up next door while happily operating next to a bar…

2

djm2491 t1_jcqn6jd wrote

Yikes. Lots of concerned people. God forbid someone is able to buy weed to enjoy at home. Is weed really that big of a concern? Who does it cause problems for in reality

1

shanes3t t1_jcqq8ip wrote

Replying to photo-smart (#2,264,596)

Part of the problem is the zoning rules are strict and favor everything north of Montgomery. Once the SBA and lenders start lending more and stacking federal credits, you'll see a more even distribution.

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BenevolentCheese t1_jcqydbm wrote

Bet most of these morons go home and slug a bottle of wine in front of their kids each night too. Bunch of dipshits.

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gigiwasabi_jc t1_jcr2end wrote

Replying to mooseLimbsCatLicks (#2,264,645)

It’s the hypocritical and ill-informed moral panic and bullying of small business owners who would open a place that looks and runs basically like a pharmacy… for me. (And I don’t even smoke weed. I’m just so tired of this nonsense. Take that righteous energy and direct it at ANY other real problem this city has.)

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Zugzool t1_jcr6wcr wrote

Is opening weed shops good or bad for gentrification? I only like to get outraged when it helps my property values go up.

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JeromePowellAdmirer OP t1_jcrceho wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#2,264,590)

It's not true. You can only write off maintenance and repairs and maybe depreciation of the appliances. The key thing is you have to actively spend money on the property in order to write it off, which means it loses money on net. You can't claim a deduction for lost income.

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Miringanes t1_jcrjazs wrote

Replying to lastinglovehandles (#2,263,475)

Bro you don’t even know. I moved from JC to South Orange which is really South Orange/Maplewood and both towns are PROGRESSIVE. However everyone are NIMBY’s. Maplewood completely banned gas leaf blowers and there’s been fights breaking out in the Facebook group between the pro leaf blower and anti leaf blower coalitions.

That said, everyone is pretty pro dispensaries here.

2

restricteddata t1_jcrrnjq wrote

Replying to JeromePowellAdmirer (#2,262,694)

> Parents whose children attend the Brunswick School, a private daycare, said the hundreds of kids that attend would be put at risk, and so would students at the public schools nearby.

At risk of... what, exactly? Honestly just confused about the argument here.

2

Plastic_Radio_5092 t1_jcry390 wrote

Replying to gigiwasabi_jc (#2,264,688)

Your spot on with the description of the owners of the little gym.. Tim and his wife are entitled pricks that throw temper tantrums when things don't go their way... people should show up and smoke weed in front of the little Gym as protest to them...lols

2

miranomejoda t1_jct2tj1 wrote

Replying to robocub (#2,264,951)

its the same BS st peters and hudson catholic and the churches in the area are using to try to stop retail business from opening.

Reefer madness 2.0

but then again all these mommies have no issue having huge wine and liquid lunches with other mommies and their babies.

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miranomejoda t1_jct9e8f wrote

Replying to seaburn (#2,262,736)

because the system is still rigged. Drinking is acceptable because it was a rich / white thing in the past.

Marijuana was made illegal because at the time majority of its use was by brown people and other "undesirables" who may become violent or cause white woman to have sex with black men.

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krfactor t1_jctq2cb wrote

Meanwhile there are 20 illegal weed stores that sell weed sketchily and no one stops them

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Ilanaspax t1_jctstxh wrote

Replying to one-mo-gin (#2,270,105)

Well the good news is you don’t have to live here for a full decade before you realize how blatantly corrupt our local government is regardless of the vibe and attitude from a random person on Reddit. You’ll catch up in no time :)

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robocub t1_jcvw6gr wrote

Replying to Hulk_Runs (#2,267,372)

I’m an adult and I’ve yet to walk through a weed cloud here in JC. Just more nonsense and non factual bullshit you’re spreading. It’s a dispensary. You buy, you leave and go and you eat, vape, or smoke elsewhere.

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robocub t1_jcvweqe wrote

I’d like to see the same energy these people out into protesting a legit cannabis business into saving Liberty State Park from billionaire developers.

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Jahooodie t1_jd3c1p1 wrote

Replying to Hulk_Runs (#2,290,741)

I don't see the parents complaining about White Eagle Hall?

Here's the thing, I've been to Mass & Cali, no one is loitering outside the shops like people seem to fear. It's already legal & available (& illegally available to boot). Why do you expect a huge change on that stretch of sidewalk?

Also- don't you like tax revenue? Shouldn't we capture that tax revenue? Maybe for the schools or the children. See how that is a win?

1