May 28--A city zoning panel on Thursday delayed consideration of two controversial medical marijuana dispensaries, one near a popular hot dog joint and another near a public park.
Union Group of Illinois wants to open a dispensary in a vacant storefront on the 6400 block of North Milwaukee Avenue, across the street from the Caldwell Woods Forest Preserve and down the street from the Superdawg drive-in.
Consideration of the proposal was put off until August by the Zoning Board of Appeals after new 41st Ward Ald. Anthony Napolitano requested the delay. Afterward, he said most nearby residents oppose the dispensary location, and he wants to hold more public meetings before making a recommendation.
Another company, 420 Capital Management, wants to open a dispensary on the 6500 block of North Western Avenue in West Rogers Park. That location, the site of a former car dealership, is adjacent to Warren Park.
Ald. Deborah Silverstein, 50th, opposes the clinic, and Thomas Moore, an attorney for the company, asked for the delay so he could "work with the alderman."
Two other proposed dispensaries, on the 2800 block of West Fullerton Avenue on the North Side, and on the 1100 block of East 87th Avenue on the South Side, were supported by the local aldermen. They are being considered by the zoning panel. Another proposal, for a dispensary on the 3400 block of North Pulaski Road, was withdrawn.
hdardick@tribpub.com
