385 Adamston Road, Brick, N.J., May 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
A former bank building in Brick Township that spurred an uproar after a new owner proposed opening a medical marijuana dispensary there has been sold again, records showed, and its new owner is seeking a use variance to continue using it commercially.
Though it had operated as a bank for decades (most recently as an OceanFirst branch), the building, located at 385 Adamston Road, is located within a residential zone. Neighboring residents hired attorneys who engaged in a bitter battle with the would-be dispensary owner that resulted in numerous dueling legal actions between parties. Ultimately, the state did not grant a license for the location, and it was listed for sale.
Ocean County tax records indicate the building was sold July, 10, 2021 for $575,000. It was sold to 385 Adamston Road Property LLC, which, according to public records, tracks to the owner of a contracting firm in Essex County. A filing before the township’s zoning board states that the new owner will utilize the building for commercial office space and medical office space. A sign advertising leasing opportunities can already be seen outside.
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385 Adamston Road, Brick, N.J., May 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Because the building is located in the township’s rural residential zone, board approval must be granted before the building can be used for a commercial purpose. The board had been scheduled to hear the application Wednesday night, however it was adjourned until the board’s May 18 meeting. The owner is applying for a use variance, which requires a supermajority of board members voting in favor of the application.
According to the filing, the owner is applying for permission to use the building as if it was in the general business zone, which is inclusive of the “retail sale of goods, personal service establishments, professional offices, and shops of tradesmen.”
The application also seeks the reaffirmation of previous approvals granted for minor site-specific features, such as setbacks and signage.
Brick Life
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