Cannabis Dispensary Could Replace Church in Local Community

City Planning Board to Review Proposal for Cannabis Dispensary in Former Church

Plainfield, NJ — The Plainfield City Planning Board is set to review a proposal that could see a former church on West Front Street transformed into a retail cannabis dispensary. SRV Front Street LLC is scheduled to appear before the Planning Board on August 15 for a public hearing regarding its plans to establish the dispensary at the location formerly occupied by Kingdom Praise Ministries.

Proposal Details

The property in question, located at the southwest corner of West Main Street and Clinton Avenue, was previously used by a bank with a drive-thru. It is situated across West Front Street from a Dunkin’ Donuts. SRV Front Street, a company based in Roselle Park, acquired the .46-acre site on October 31, 2023, for $1.175 million, according to public records.

The proposal for the dispensary complies with the city’s cannabis regulations, and SRV Front Street has a redevelopment agreement in place with Plainfield. The application outlines that all cannabis products sold at the dispensary will be pre-packaged, with no open products to be processed or packed on-site.

Zoning and Variance Request

As part of the application, SRV Front Street is seeking a variance for the front yard setback from West Front Street. The current zoning ordinance requires a 10-foot setback, but the proposed plans include a 9.41-foot setback. This variance is necessary for the project to move forward as planned.

Cannabis Dispensary Regulations in Plainfield

Plainfield’s cannabis ordinance allows for a maximum of five retail dispensaries within the city. The latest addition to the city’s cannabis landscape, Island Vibez, opened its doors on Roosevelt Avenue at the end of July. Additionally, Queen City and Royal M dispensaries have also recently commenced operations in Plainfield.

Public Hearing Details

The public hearing for SRV Front Street’s proposal is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. on August 15 in the City Hall Library, located at 515 Watchung Avenue. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide their input on the proposed conversion of the former church into a retail cannabis dispensary.

As the city considers this new development, the decision will play a crucial role in shaping Plainfield’s evolving landscape of cannabis retail and community impact.