Downers Grove to allow marijuana dispensaries

DOWNERS GROVE – Marijuana dispensaries will be able to join the Downers Grove business community now that the Village Council has amended zoning restrictions permitting them in town.

The council Dec. 8 reversed a decision made last year to ban marijuana businesses in the village.

A favorable vote appeared likely in recent months, when Commissioner Rich Kulovany voiced interest in allowing dispensaries and other marijuana-based businesses in the community.

Discussion on the topic dates to late 2019. At that time, the state decided to give municipalities the ability to opt in or opt out of allowing recreational marijuana sales.

Kulovany was opposed at that time but reversed course in October, saying he did considerable research that prompted him to change his mind.

Among the concerns that Kulovany initially raised were a potential increase in crime because dispensaries might be the victim of armed robberies. Additionally, he expressed reservations, believing the village may need more police resources to patrol areas where dispensaries were located.

Kulovany also said he worried the village’s image could be hurt if it allowed marijuana businesses.

That’s no longer the case.

Kulovany was the lone council member to switch sides on the issue during the Dec. 8 meeting.

Kulovany joined Commissioners Greg Hose, Lesile-Sadowski-Fugitt and Mayor Bob Barnett, who have backed allowing marijuana businesses in select parts of the community since last year.

Commissioners Marge Earl, Cavanaugh Gray and Nicole Walus remain opposed.

The Village Council’s decision comes on the heels of a marijuana referendum polling residents in nearby Naperville. Citing the results, Kulovany has said Downers Grove likely would have seen a similar outcome.

Since last year, a number of communities have decided to allow marijuana businesses.

“I believe it is becoming more mainstream,” Kulovany said.

Marijuana establishments will be allowed to set up shop either in the M-1 light manufacturing or M-2 restricted manufacturing districts.

The ordinance caps at three the number of special-use permits the village will issue for recreational and medicinal marijuana dispensaries.

Dispensaries cannot be located adjacent to residential neighborhoods and must be at least 1,300 feet from day care centers, schools and parks.

In addition to dispensaries, cannabis business such as craft growers, cultivation centers, infuser organizations, processing centers and transporting organizations will be permitted in the village.