SOMERVILLE, NJ — Root 22, a new cannabis dispensary owned by Bridgewater local Joe Savino and Princeton local James Barr, continues to move closer to opening on Route 22 in Somerville.
The Somerville Planning Board unanimously approved the application for Root 22 Dispensary, LLC to convert a Sunoco gas station at the corner of Route 22 East and Gaston Avenue on the Bridgewater Township border at its April 24 meeting.
Bridgewater Township submitted a letter over concerns of loitering along with traffic and parking.
“The applicant intends to provide regular loitering sweeps and there is security on site. There’ll be no loitering signage,” said Michael Silbert, an attorney from the law firm DiFrancesco Bateman for Roots 22 LLC. “The applicant is willing to work with the Board to satisfy and accommodate Bridgewater Township’s concerns.”
The proposed renovations to the site include eliminating gas station infrastructure, expanding the building, and increasing parking spaces to 20, including one EV and one ADA space.
The Board identified the need for variance relief for maximum improvement coverage, minimum side yard, and loading spaces. The applicant also seeks waivers for wall signs, shade trees, storm water management, and lighting.
Barr has a long history in the
