Canna spa up for neighborhood vote
A recreational cannabis dispensary seeks East Village Association members' approval at EVA's 7pm Jan. 6 meeting at Roots Pizza, 1924 W. Chicago Ave.
EVA's planning committee gave a do-not-oppose recommendation last month to a plan for a West Town recreational marijuana dispensary featuring cannabis-infused mineral baths and fine dining.
Partners in the "recreational cannabis experience" include Fifty/50 Management Group president Scott Weiner and former Ald. Ameya Pawar. Weiner and Pawar presented preliminary plans at a Nov. 4 membership meeting.
The planned West Town location was not disclosed at the meeting. The partners pledged to pursue Type 1 zoning, which requires City Council height and density approvals to limit incompatible or uncontemplated uses. Video monitors and other business restrictions sought by the EVA committee were accepted as well.
The venture includes Chicago Blackhawks team physician Dr. George Chiampas, union consultant Hanah Jubeh and labor leader Nikki Hayes. The venture was also reported in Block Club Chicago and Crain's Chicago Business.
Cannabis would not be consumed on premises, Weiner said at the November meeting. The dispensary would be managed by the established Uptown provider Dispensary 33. Profit would be split with two social equity partners, who Pawar said would provide a jobs program to benefit disadvantaged neighborhoods.
At the meeting, members also agreed not to oppose revision of the liquor license at Windy City Mini Mart.
