Overview
Drivers heading southbound on I‑295 and exiting toward Route 55 may soon find themselves neighbors to one of New Jersey’s largest cannabis cultivation sites. A proposed 246,785-square-foot facility on Buck Road in Elk Township is set to transform the former Meadow Muffin Farm into a sprawling cannabis operation featuring three sealed greenhouses, a 15,000-square-foot headhouse, and multiple repurposed buildings for drying and administration.
Country Roads Realty LLC, backed by members affiliated with ATH Cultivation, will present the plan to Elk Township’s Planning and Zoning Board on September 17. If approved, the site—located just three-quarters of a mile south of the Route 55 exit—will include advanced odor mitigation systems, water management infrastructure, and 48 parking spaces, all behind 8-foot security fencing.
While the public notice mentions both Class 1 cultivation and Class 2 manufacturing, documents reviewed so far show no dedicated manufacturing buildings. Still, the scale of the project positions it as a potential leader in New Jersey’s cannabis industry.
For commuters and residents near Exit 18 on I‑295, this development could signal a shift in local traffic, employment opportunities, and land use. Whether you’re passing through or planting roots nearby, Buck Road may soon be growing more than just crops.
What’s Proposed
- Location: Buck Road, Elk Township
- Size: ~246,000 sq. ft.
- Use: Indoor cannabis cultivation with support operations
- Features: Secure facilities, loading docks, climate/odor/light control systems
This scale places the project in the industrial campus category, far beyond the small grow operations many picture.
Why Location Matters
Buck Road sits where industrial and agricultural parcels meet suburban neighborhoods. Its proximity to Route 55 — which connects to I‑295, I‑76, and the Atlantic City Expressway — offers clear logistical advantages for statewide distribution.
Key Community Impacts
- Traffic & Trucks: Expect tractor-trailer trips for supplies and shipments. Questions will arise about truck routes, peak hours, and road capacity.
- Infrastructure Strain: Indoor grows consume significant water and electricity. Officials will review water, sewer, and stormwater capacity.
- Local Economy & Jobs: Potential for construction and full-time roles, but benefits depend on job numbers, wages, and tax incentives.
- Land-Use Precedent: A project of this scale could influence future development along the I‑295 corridor.
Regulatory Path
- State: Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) licensing required
- Local: Planning/Zoning Board approvals for odor control, security, traffic studies, lighting, and environmental impact
Public hearings will be the main venue for community input. Similar projects in Gloucester, Camden, and Salem counties have drawn large turnouts.
Regional Context
South Jersey cannabis companies are clustering near major routes for distribution efficiency. Elk Township’s location fits this pattern, but local officials are increasingly scrutinizing utility impacts and neighborhood compatibility.
What to Watch
- Public Hearing Dates: Check Elk Township’s official meeting calendar
- State Approvals: CRC database for licensing status
- Local Coverage: NJ.com and Patch often track major cannabis projects
- On-the-Ground View: Use Google Maps to see Buck Road’s surrounding land uses
Why This Matters for Exit 295 Drivers
If you use I‑295 or Route 55 for your commute, expect potential changes in traffic patterns, commercial deliveries, and future land use along the corridor.
Stay tuned: 295Times will post updates as hearings are scheduled and details emerge. If this project affects your commute or neighborhood, mark your calendar for the township hearing and bring questions about traffic, water use, and community benefits.
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