05/08/2023
August 1, 2023 – At today’s Township Committee meeting, the township committee members approved a letter of support for Southern Jersey Bud, LLC., a potential cannabis manufacturer, distribution and retail seller in Shamong. Southern Bud, a woman owned company, along with the regulatory support group Kline Bud, presented their intention to convert the Shamong Diner and associated buildings into a retail, manufacturing, and distribution complex. Mr. Russel Kuchta (a principal with Southern Jersey Bud) and Manny Monteiro (the current owner and chef at the Shamong Diner) have entered into an agreement to convert the diner and associated buildings into a cannabis complex. According to Mr. Kuchta, the three building which encompass the diner, country store, and accessory building, would be converted to a manufacturing facility, retail business, and distribution center for the manufactured cannabis products. Mr. Monteiro may be a partner in the proposed business.
Shamong township recognizes five categories for cannabis operations. The proposed property use would be for Class II-Manufacturing, Class III-Wholesale, and Class V-Retail. Of these classes, Class V is only allowed in Shamong as an accessory use to another class. Because the Shamong Diner is located within one of Shamong’s development zones, Class 1 through 4 are a conditionally permitted use and Class 5 is a conditionally permitted accessory use. Shamong township had previously declared portions of Route 206 as an area for potential development.
Mr. Kuchta, who is a pharmacist, who said he recognized a need in this region for formulations that include cannabinoids in creams and balms. His intention is to bring in cannabis oils from other suppliers which will be combined with ingredients to manufacture balms, a plant based aromatic preparation and healing ointment. These would be sold in the retail establishment and distributed to other unnamed businesses through the distribution center. Mr. Kuchta indicated that the potency of the cannabis oils will be pre-determined prior to receipt by his establishment so on-site testing would be limited.
The retail establishment, which will be house in what is currently the country store, will sell the balms along with other cannabis products.
When asked about funding for the project, the presenters noted the difficulty in securing conventional funding sources, given the federal regulations regarding cannabis. Mr. Kuchta indicated that private funding was already in place and suggested that the proposed facility would require about 500 thousand dollars in upgrades including security and odor control. He said that he had already initiated conversations with the local state police.
The township committee members voted to approve the letter of support, with the exception of Mr. Martin Mozitis who was absent from the meeting. The township solicitor, Mr. Doug Heinold, commented that the business plan was a good option for the township given the limited modifications required to the property given the intended use as compared to other agricultural uses that would require substantial infrastructure and Pinelands approval. Mr. Kuchta indicated that water consumption and waste removal would be very limited given the nature of the proposed business. These are typical stumbling blocks for Pinelands approval.
Ms. Sue Onorato, Township Administrator, pressed Mr. Kuchta on potential local employment opportunities for the proposed business. It is estimated that the operation will require approximately 15 employees with a pay rate of around $18 per hour. Mr. Kutcha indicated a preference to employ local residents.
The township letter of approval is the first step in a relatively lengthy process. Mr. Kutcha hopes to have additional approvals and state licenses in-place in the next few months. He will be ready to go to Shamong’s Joint Land Use Board for construction approval shortly thereafter.
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August 1, 2023 – At today’s Township Committee meeting, the township committee members approved a letter of support for Southern Jersey Bud, LLC., a potential cannabis manufacturer, dis…
