Marijuana dispensary in Moline? Pot Shop ready to overcome the final obstacles | Local News
A marijuana dispensary is expected to open soon on Avenue des Villes.
Assuming the company obtains special permits from the city of Moline this month, work on the dispensary could begin as early as October.
The site of the former Aldi grocery store at 2727 Avenue des Villes would also require zoning changes. It sits in an area unmarked for commercial marijuana under city laws that distinguish four “overlapping” districts, each limited to one dispensary. Moline’s neighborhoods are along Towns Avenue; the John Deere Corridor; the Uptown area around the 16th Street corridor; and one near the airport.
“The four (overlapping districts) allow for the establishment of these businesses,” said Ryan Hvitløk, director of economic development for the city. “But it also ensures that we don’t get overproliferation.”
People also read…
Moline is expected to amend an ordinance to permit the dispensary on Cities Avenue because it is intended to be zoned for small-scale commercial uses that serve the needs of surrounding residents and not marijuana dispensaries. Commercial buildings in the neighborhood are typically 10,000 square feet or less. The dispensary will total approximately 7,500 square feet. Developer Dan Dolan owns the property, which is now home to Suzi’s Slots and Rustic Barbershop.
In August, a company called Deeprootz, located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, obtained the state license to run the pot store.
Moline council members indicated early support. He voted 5-1 on Tuesday to approve a second reading of the proposed order change, leaving only a final hearing. First district Ald. Scott Williams voted no and 7th Ward Ald. Michael Waldron was absent.
Hvitløk, the director of economic development, said the change to the ordinance does not change anything else required for cannabis dispensaries, and that only one will still be allowed per overlay district.
The company must also obtain a special use permit from Moline. It is expected to be presented to council on September 13.
Hvitløk said if all goes according to plan, the special use permit could have a final vote on September 27, which would allow the company to start redeveloping in early October.
Comments are closed.