Lombard to take second look at marijuana facility

A proposed medical marijuana facility in Lombard will be up for discussion for a second, and likely final, time Thursday.

The village board needs to decide whether to approve a conditional use for MMRE LLC, the company that wants to open a dispensary at 510 E. 22nd St.

Even if approved, the company still will need to obtain a dispensary license from the state before opening. There are at least 23 other potential sellers competing for three dispensary licenses that will be issued in DuPage County.

Municipalities are required to provide locations for such facilities within their corporate limits, according to state law.

The board cannot debate whether marijuana has medical benefits or if it is good public policy to provide medical cannabis facilities, but it can decide if the dispensary can be located in an office zoning district.

Village Manager Scott Niehaus said he anticipates a final vote Thursday, although board members have differing views on the topic and it looks like the decision will not be unanimous.

Several representatives from Montini Catholic High School spoke out against the proposed dispensary at a November meeting, citing concerns with its proximity to the school and the potential for illegal distribution of marijuana to students.

Neighbors also questioned if the dispensary would cause increased traffic in an already congested area or negatively impact property values.

At that meeting, trustees agreed to table any further discussion or action until December. Shortly after, however, representatives from MMRE LLC requested that the discussion be delayed until this week's meeting.