South Elgin implements medical marijuana zoning

Ending months of debate, South Elgin lifted a moratorium and established zoning for medical marijuana dispensaries.

The village board decided by a majority vote earlier this week that any dispensaries will be restricted to business and office districts, and will have to be at least 250 feet from residential areas. Dispensaries will also have to go through a public hearing before the planning and zoning commission.

The moratorium was enacted in early 2014. In the last few months, the village board and the planning and zoning commission discussed the issue, prompted by an application submitted in August by Solace Solutions for a medical marijuana dispensary in a vacant lot at 620 N. La Fox St., Village Administrator Steve Super said.

That location would have been less than 250 feet away from residences; Solace withdrew its application in December. Attorney Ted Meyers, who represents Solace, wasn't available for comment.

"We were trying to handle both (the application and zoning requirements) at the same time. I think that's why it got kind of clumsy," he said.

The planning and zoning commission most recently recommended zoning without any special distance requirements, Super said.

Village President Steve Ward said he agrees with the village board's decision. "I think it works out pretty good."

Trustee Mike Kolodziej, who voted in favor of the new regulations, said residents had expressed concerns about dispensaries being targeted for burglaries and robberies, and increasing traffic in the area.

"I think these are worthwhile businesses to have, but not that close to residential areas," he said. "I do support the concept of medical marijuana because it has its place - not recreational marijuana but medical marijuana. But I also understand the fears of our residents."

Trustee Scott Richmond, who voted "no," said he doesn't think 250 feet is enough distance from residential areas. "How much is enough? I'm not sure. But I have no problem with dispensaries," he said.

There are few locations in the village that would meet the 250 feet criteria, Ward said.

As per state law, dispensaries also must be 1,000 feet from schools and day care centers. Altogether, 214 applications are pending for 60 medical marijuana dispensary licenses throughout the state.