Rick Brodsky

Ansell.Law Secures Micro-license and Zoning Site Approval for Cannabis Retailer in Monmouth County

Establishing a retail cannabis facility in New Jersey is a long and complicated process. Although adult recreational cannabis use is now legal in New Jersey, local municipalities have their own regulations limiting or prohibiting recreational-use retailers. Before opening a retail location, recreational cannabis retailers must first successfully navigate through a complex and rigorous licensing process with the State of New Jersey.

After obtaining a license from the state, retailers are then faced with the arduous task of working through the maze of local regulations and zoning rules to secure approvals for a suitable location for their store.

The firm’s Controlled Substances and Regulatory Practice Group, led by attorneys Joshua S. Bauchner and Kelsey M. Barber, secured a “Micro” license for its client, Canopy Crossroad, which classification requires, among other things, that ownership of the cannabis retailer consists of local residents. After clearing that first hurdle, Canopy Crossroad needed to find and secure a location for its store and then undertake the challenging local municipal zoning approval process. They decided on Red Bank, a town that had agreed to opt-in to New Jersey’s law allowing the sale of cannabis. But before opening their dispensary, Canopy Crossroad needed approval from the Borough’s Planning Board.

As a full-service firm with cross-disciplinary practice areas, our client then was able to work with Rick Brodsky, of the Land Use and Zoning Law Department, who appeared before the Red Bank planning board on Monday, May 1st, and Monday, May 16th, for hearings on Canopy Crossroad’s application for site plan approval to open their retail outlet. After a heated debate among Brodsky, representatives of Canopy Crossroad, the Red Bank Planning Board, and opponents to opening a cannabis retailer in Red Bank, the Planning Board approved Canopy Crossroad’s conditional use site plan application on an 8-1 Board vote.

“Red Bank opted in, and cannabis is legal in the state,” said Brodsky. “By opting in, the town was required to specify districts where cannabis can be sold as a permitted use. The Red Bank Planning Board correctly interpreted the law, and we are delighted that they approved our site plan.”

Bauchner further noted that the Firm was a “one stop shop” for cannabis, and other clients, servicing all our clients’ needs:  “From corporate formation and operating documents, to lease agreements or site acquisition, to preparation of applications before the State CRC and Townships, to zoning approvals, all the way through to vendor and employee agreements once operational, our attorneys collaborate across disciplines to fulfill all client needs.”

Rick Brodsky Represents Seller in $8.4M Monmouth County Parks System Acquisition

The Monmouth County Parks System just got a beautiful new view of the Navesink River, thanks to the help of Ansell Grimm & Aaron’s Rick Brodsky.

Stretched along the bank of the Navesink River is a largely undeveloped 17-acre waterfront estate, save for the existing residence and a pier extending into the river. The property has been privately owned for years, but the owners considered selling the prime land should the right buyer come along. While compensation for their property was important, the planned future use of the property when sold was equally crucial to the owners. They wanted to ensure the property’s legacy by maintaining its natural state while opening it for the public to enjoy. The owners turned to Rick Brodsky to help make their dreams come true.

Brodsky, who practices commercial and residential real estate law, began working with the owners several years ago to find a buyer to meet all their goals. As luck would have it, the county of Monmouth approached the sellers to begin discussing its possible purchase of the land. Rick started working closely with the owners, Monmouth County, and the Monmouth Conservation Foundation to ensure a smooth and beneficial transaction for all parties.

“This was a complex deal that has been years in the making,” Brodsky said. “But in the end, we reached an agreement that satisfied all parties involved.”

The 17-acre waterfront estate is on the Navesink River in Locust, New Jersey. The property is adjacent to Historic Hartland Place and will connect to Hartshorne Woods, an 800-acre peninsula park, giving park visitors access to the river. Under the terms of the sales agreement, the land use will be restricted to park use and be open to the public.

“I am proud to be able to play a role in the creation of this new park,” Brodsky said. “I am always hesitant to say a deal is a win-win, but in this case, I think it truly is. It’s great for the sellers, the county parks, and the public.”

ANSELL GRIMM & AARON NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2021

Jennifer Krimko Secures Variance for New Tesla Gallery and Service Facility

Jennifer Krimko, a Shareholder and Co-Chair of the Firm’s Land Use and Zoning Department, recently represented the property owners for the upcoming Tesla automobile gallery and factory-authorized service facility in Eatontown. The project required approval by the Eatontown Zoning Board of Adjustment because car sales are not permitted in the borough’s zoning rules. In addition to the selling and servicing of electric vehicles, the store will provide a free-standing charging station open to the public along the Route 35 corridor.

 

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Rick Brodsky Presented at the 2020 New Jersey Planning Conference

Partner in Ansell Grimm & Aaron Zoning and Land Use Department educates professionals on importance, benefits and methods of streamlining the municipal development approval process.

New Brunswick (January 2020) –  Rick Brodsky, a partner in Ansell Grimm & Aaron’s Zoning & Land Use Department, presented at the 2020 New Jersey Planning Conference co-sponsored by the American Planning Association (New Jersey Chapter) and the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy of Rutgers University.

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Brodsky wins Use Variance for Quay site in Sea Bright

AGA partner Rick Brodsky successfully obtained a use variance to allow a mixed commercial and residential use for a property in Sea Bright. Representing 280 Ocean Avenue LLC, Brodsky won Zoning Board approval for a banquet facility and new apartments on the site of the former Quay restaurant. Existing buildings on the site suffered significant damage in Superstorm Sandy and the site’s owner has been restoring and improving the residentially zoned property since acquiring it in 2011.

 

The details of the Zoning Board hearing and approval can be found here.

 

For more information on our Zoning and Land Use Practice, please contact Rick Brodsky at 732-643-5255 or rb@62q.f7d.myftpupload.com.