Chicago Regulators Approve Cannabis Dispensary Despite Objections Over Proximity to School
The Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals has approved a proposed cannabis dispensary in the Streeterville neighborhood, despite concerns from local residents and a recommended denial from the city’s zoning administrator. The dispensary, which will be the first in the area, is located near a school and has raised concerns about traffic, parking, and the potential impact on the community.
The dispensary, which will operate under the name Guaranteed Dispensary, is owned by G.P. Green House LLC, a company that has two existing stores in Ohio. The company’s CEO, Aymin Haswah, is a social equity owner, meaning that he has a background of being involved in the cannabis industry and has been involved in efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Despite the concerns, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted 3-2 in favor of the dispensary, with former Ald. Helen Shiller casting the deciding vote. Shiller’s son, Brendan Shiller, had helped the company obtain a state license, but he was not involved in the zoning case.
The dispensary’s attorney, Jim Banks, argued that the school in question is primarily a day care and that the dispensary will not cause significant disruptions to the community. He also pointed out that the city’s zoning code does not define a school as a specific type of facility, and that the dispensary meets all of the necessary requirements for a retail business.
Opponents of the dispensary, including Ald. Brian Hopkins, argued that the location is too close to the school and that it will create traffic and parking problems. They also expressed concerns about the potential impact on property values and the community’s quality of life.
The city’s zoning administrator had recommended denying the dispensary’s application, citing concerns about the proximity to the school and the potential impact on the community. However, the Zoning Board of Appeals ultimately voted in favor of the dispensary, citing the company’s commitment to social equity and its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.
The decision is likely to be appealed, and the issue may ultimately be decided by the Illinois Supreme Court. In the meantime, the dispensary is expected to open in the coming months, pending final approval from the state.
