Batavia’s First Recreational Marijuana Dispensary Set to Open This Summer
The Batavia City Council has given the green light for Rubino Ventures to open the town’s first recreational marijuana dispensary. The company plans to renovate a vacant facility at 144 S. Randall Road and turn it into a Dutchess Cannabis dispensary.
The dispensary, which will be the fifth location for Dutchess Cannabis, is expected to open this summer. The company already has locations in Oak Park and Morton Grove, with two more stores in North Riverside and Lake Zurich currently under construction.
The planned location was previously an Arby’s restaurant, which has been vacant since 2022. The dispensary will be zoned in the general commercial district, requiring a conditional use permit. The plan was reviewed by the Plan Commission and approved by the City Council, meeting certain conditions.
Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke initially opposed recreational marijuana sales in the city, but the issue was put to a vote in 2020, with over 60% of voters supporting its legalization. The City Council then implemented locational requirements for cannabis dispensaries, which the proposed dispensary is in compliance with.
Some residents expressed concerns about safety and the location’s proximity to Batavia High School and Holy Cross Catholic School. However, Mayor Schielke was reassured by Dutchess Cannabis’ reputation in nearby communities, citing their strict adherence to rules and uniformed staff at the door.
The dispensary will be subject to the same regulations and restrictions as other cannabis businesses in the state. With the approval, Rubino Ventures can now obtain the necessary permits from the city to begin construction.
