Another delay in Zen Leaf recreational pot vote in St. Charles
St. Charles aldermen have again postponed their decision on whether a medical marijuana dispensary should also be allowed to sell recreational cannabis.
The discussion has been continued to March 9 at the request of Zen Leaf representatives, who said they want more time to work out a potential solution with neighboring businesses that have opposed the special use.
Dispensary operators have been petitioning the city for months to permit recreational sales in a limited manufacturing district. Approval of that zoning change would be necessary ahead of Zen Leaf's second application to allow adult-use pot operations at its existing shop, 3714 Illinois St.
How such a use would affect a nearby dance studio and other businesses within the St. Charles Commons complex has been a key concern expressed during prior meetings on the topic. Last month, aldermen questioned whether Zen Leaf would be able to accommodate the additional parking needs, increased traffic and large crowds they've witnessed at other dispensaries that have started selling recreational marijuana.
As discussions resumed Monday during a packed planning and development committee meeting, Zen Leaf representatives asked for a continuance so they could "work with the neighbors to come up with a solution that might work for everybody."
"We'd like the additional time to explore those negotiations," attorney Nicholas Standiford said. "At least we'll all be in a better position to have a wholesome debate or discussion, but hopefully we can resolve everything in the meantime."
The committee agreed to put the conversation on hold, but Alderman William Turner warned that Zen Leaf will have to do more than just appease its neighbors.
Recreational cannabis dispensing is currently permitted in the community business and regional business districts, under a set of special use regulations approved by the city council this past fall. The provisions allow one dispensary on either side of the Fox River, with one needing at least a year of experience operating a medical marijuana facility in St. Charles.
The city's code is already "very generous," Turner said, especially considering the controversy surrounding adult-use cannabis sales.
"At this time, we've got a strong ordinance. Any time you amend an ordinance, especially this one in the area of zoning ... we in fact weaken that ordinance," he said. "You're going to have to make an argument of why we should weaken this ordinance."
Standiford said the dispensary also will work on making a case for amending the city's zoning code. Zen Leaf representatives declined to comment further.