Robert Celt
New Member
A proposed medical-marijuana dispensary previously rejected by Chatham residents won approval Friday at a new location in South Chicago.
Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10th) testified before the Zoning Board of Appeals that the "vast majority" of area residents are "absolutely fine" with the dispensary, to be located in a former laundromat at 8554 S. Commercial Ave.
"There are some naysayers, but this is about education," Garza said. She testified it would "provide some much-needed jobs" to the community and "a sense of safeness to a corner where security is needed."
Lester Hollis, chief executive officer of Illinois Grown Medicine, said his ownership group would be operating with a new consulting partner, Denver-based Natural Remedies, represented by Brett Framson, with Hollis serving as the dispensary's agent in charge.
They testified that they expected to serve about 200 patients, with hours set from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. They said the dispensary will have round-the-clock security and surveillance cameras inside and out, with about 10 to 15 staffers total.
"I like to hear you're gonna hire from the neighborhood," said Commissioner Sam Toia.
Garza added that ownership had pledged to use union labor as well. She had previously referred to the location as a "dormant corner" in need of development.
"So I welcome them to the 10th Ward," Garza said. "I'm in support of this project."
It hit a momentary snag when Andrew DeAngelo, a former partner with the firm known as Harborside Illinois Grown Medicine, raised ownership issues. DeAngelo had been the firm's previous operator, and he insisted the state had licensed that firm for a dispensary, not Illinois Grown Medicine, and he asked that the special-use permit be granted to Harborside Illinois.
Yet minority owner Paul Rosenfeld testified that he had already addressed the changing ownership issue with the state, and the dropping of DeAngelo's Harborside group, and had met no obstacles. Blake Sercye, new chairman of the board, said his agency is concerned with zoning, not ownership, which he identified as a state issue, and appeared satisfied with Rosenfeld's account.
That was borne out by the board's 3-0 vote to approve the dispensary.
There was no other public opposition to the proposal.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical-Marijuana Clinic Nixed In Chatham Gets Approval In South Chicago
Author: Ted Cox
Contact: DNA Info
Photo Credit: Ted Cox
Website: DNA Info
Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10th) testified before the Zoning Board of Appeals that the "vast majority" of area residents are "absolutely fine" with the dispensary, to be located in a former laundromat at 8554 S. Commercial Ave.
"There are some naysayers, but this is about education," Garza said. She testified it would "provide some much-needed jobs" to the community and "a sense of safeness to a corner where security is needed."
Lester Hollis, chief executive officer of Illinois Grown Medicine, said his ownership group would be operating with a new consulting partner, Denver-based Natural Remedies, represented by Brett Framson, with Hollis serving as the dispensary's agent in charge.
They testified that they expected to serve about 200 patients, with hours set from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. They said the dispensary will have round-the-clock security and surveillance cameras inside and out, with about 10 to 15 staffers total.
"I like to hear you're gonna hire from the neighborhood," said Commissioner Sam Toia.
Garza added that ownership had pledged to use union labor as well. She had previously referred to the location as a "dormant corner" in need of development.
"So I welcome them to the 10th Ward," Garza said. "I'm in support of this project."
It hit a momentary snag when Andrew DeAngelo, a former partner with the firm known as Harborside Illinois Grown Medicine, raised ownership issues. DeAngelo had been the firm's previous operator, and he insisted the state had licensed that firm for a dispensary, not Illinois Grown Medicine, and he asked that the special-use permit be granted to Harborside Illinois.
Yet minority owner Paul Rosenfeld testified that he had already addressed the changing ownership issue with the state, and the dropping of DeAngelo's Harborside group, and had met no obstacles. Blake Sercye, new chairman of the board, said his agency is concerned with zoning, not ownership, which he identified as a state issue, and appeared satisfied with Rosenfeld's account.
That was borne out by the board's 3-0 vote to approve the dispensary.
There was no other public opposition to the proposal.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical-Marijuana Clinic Nixed In Chatham Gets Approval In South Chicago
Author: Ted Cox
Contact: DNA Info
Photo Credit: Ted Cox
Website: DNA Info