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With medical marijuana close to legalization in Illinois, Highland Park is readying its business review process to regulate any requests by growers or distributors.
Deputy City Manager Ghida Neukirch refrained from saying whether Highland Park was looking to encourage or discourage the practice, but said it was important to update local laws to specifically address the issue.
"We need to review our zoning ordinance to ensure that there are very specific and comprehensive conditions that would regulate cannabis related facilities," Neukirch said.
The "Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act" awaits Gov. Pat Quinn's signature after it was approved by the Illinois House of Representatives on April 17 and the state senate on May 17. The bill allows qualifying patients with debilitating conditions to use marijuana without subject to arrest, prosecution or denial or rights. It also allows the state to permit up to 60 distribution facilities.
The Highland Park City Council voted May 28 to send the issues to the plan commission for consideration, where members will evaluate how to classify "cannabis cultivation centers" and "distribution facilities." The plan commission was also asked to make a recommendation to the City Council on whether the two designations should be considered special uses under local zoning code, as well as whether other regulations on the practice should be imposed.
"It would allow the city to establish very clear parameters and special use conditions that applicants would have to meet, should we be contacted by an applicant for consideration," Neukirch said.
Deerfield isn't as far along as Highland Park, but will likely pursue a similar review, said Andrew Lichterman, assistant to the Deerfield village manager.
Certain types of businesses or operations can be defined as special uses in different zoning districts, Lichterman said. As opposed to a use that would be allowable by right, a special use "has to go through a little bit more of a scrutinized process," he said.
Lichterman said that while the village hasn't taken an official stance on marijuana cultivation and distribution centers, Deerfield Police Chief John J. Sliozis recently penned a letter to the community opposing the state legislation.
"As a law-enforcement official for 37 years and the chief of police in Deerfield for 12 years, I find it imperative to voice my concerns concerning this pending legislation with members of the community," Sliozis wrote.
One of his criticisms of the bill was that it "does not allow local government to prohibit the cultivation, dispensing and use of medical cannabis as authorized (a dispensing site could come to your community)."
He also wrote that allowing patients to drive under the influence of marijuana, unless they are deemed to be "impaired" by law enforcement, as "problematic."
"The Village of Deerfield has long been an advocate of programs designed to teach and educate students and parents about drug use and the potential pitfalls and addictions that can result," Sliozis wrote. "...Passage of such legislation is contrary to what members of the community have strived to achieve for years concerning the use of illicit drugs."
Larry Frang, executive director of the Illinois Municipal League, said his organization did not take an position on the legislation, and was unaware of municipalities working to augment their local zoning in response to its possible passage.
News Hawk- Truth Seeker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: chicagotribune.com
Author: John P. Huston
Contact: jhuston@tribune.com
Website: Highland Park, Deerfield to consider cannabis-related zoning changes - chicagotribune.com
Deputy City Manager Ghida Neukirch refrained from saying whether Highland Park was looking to encourage or discourage the practice, but said it was important to update local laws to specifically address the issue.
"We need to review our zoning ordinance to ensure that there are very specific and comprehensive conditions that would regulate cannabis related facilities," Neukirch said.
The "Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act" awaits Gov. Pat Quinn's signature after it was approved by the Illinois House of Representatives on April 17 and the state senate on May 17. The bill allows qualifying patients with debilitating conditions to use marijuana without subject to arrest, prosecution or denial or rights. It also allows the state to permit up to 60 distribution facilities.
The Highland Park City Council voted May 28 to send the issues to the plan commission for consideration, where members will evaluate how to classify "cannabis cultivation centers" and "distribution facilities." The plan commission was also asked to make a recommendation to the City Council on whether the two designations should be considered special uses under local zoning code, as well as whether other regulations on the practice should be imposed.
"It would allow the city to establish very clear parameters and special use conditions that applicants would have to meet, should we be contacted by an applicant for consideration," Neukirch said.
Deerfield isn't as far along as Highland Park, but will likely pursue a similar review, said Andrew Lichterman, assistant to the Deerfield village manager.
Certain types of businesses or operations can be defined as special uses in different zoning districts, Lichterman said. As opposed to a use that would be allowable by right, a special use "has to go through a little bit more of a scrutinized process," he said.
Lichterman said that while the village hasn't taken an official stance on marijuana cultivation and distribution centers, Deerfield Police Chief John J. Sliozis recently penned a letter to the community opposing the state legislation.
"As a law-enforcement official for 37 years and the chief of police in Deerfield for 12 years, I find it imperative to voice my concerns concerning this pending legislation with members of the community," Sliozis wrote.
One of his criticisms of the bill was that it "does not allow local government to prohibit the cultivation, dispensing and use of medical cannabis as authorized (a dispensing site could come to your community)."
He also wrote that allowing patients to drive under the influence of marijuana, unless they are deemed to be "impaired" by law enforcement, as "problematic."
"The Village of Deerfield has long been an advocate of programs designed to teach and educate students and parents about drug use and the potential pitfalls and addictions that can result," Sliozis wrote. "...Passage of such legislation is contrary to what members of the community have strived to achieve for years concerning the use of illicit drugs."
Larry Frang, executive director of the Illinois Municipal League, said his organization did not take an position on the legislation, and was unaware of municipalities working to augment their local zoning in response to its possible passage.
News Hawk- Truth Seeker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: chicagotribune.com
Author: John P. Huston
Contact: jhuston@tribune.com
Website: Highland Park, Deerfield to consider cannabis-related zoning changes - chicagotribune.com
