By Clint Wolf - Febuary 6th 2024
SOUTH BELOIT
Another cannabis related business is seeking to open in South Beloit.
The South Beloit City Council on Monday reviewed a special use permit for the new facility proposed to be located at 1322 Gardner St., which is near the busy intersection with Highway 251. The permit seeks the property, currently zoned for commercial traffic be allowed as a Planned Unit Development for an adult use cannabis facility, according to the city council agenda.
The Sunnyside Marijuana Dispensary, located near Interstate 39/90, which is the largest marijuana dispensary in Illinois, opened in South Beloit in 2020.
Council member Ryan Adleman said he was not against another cannabis facility moving to town.
“It is the location that is my concern,” he said. “There are plenty of other places that are better and more discrete.”
Council member Courtney Prentice agreed.
“What is our long-term goal. What is our vision of what our gateway should look like,” he said.
The council members noted Gardner Street is one of the main entry routes to the city and it is where many visitors get their first impressions of the city.
Mayor Tom Fitzgerald said it really shouldn’t matter what the business is as long as the property is well maintained.
“I really don’t see any difference. It is no different than driving by a bar,” Fitzgerald said. “It is completely legal. People come in, make their purchase and leave.”
Fitzgerald said he has never used marijuana and he doesn’t drink, but he has no objections to a new bar coming to town or a new marijuana dispensary.
He said there are several empty buildings now on Gardner Street and he would rather see new businesses come to the city.
The Sunnyside dispensary has been successful, partly because off its location close to the Wisconsin/Illinois state line.
The special use permit reviewed by the council Monday was a first reading of the ordinance. A second reading and possible approval is scheduled for the Feb. 19 South Beloit City Council meeting.