WASHINGTON, Ill. – Aldermen in Washington are scheduled to take a vote next month on a proposed cannabis dispensary, the first in the city.
On Monday night, a discussion topic was held on the proposal for a special use permit application by Zeplin Enterprises for a location near Centennial and McClugage.
Washington city code was amended in 2019 to allow for up to six adult-use cannabis dispensaries within city limits.
Nico Pinto is the Chief Legal Officer for the management company behind the store, Elevate Cannabis. He spoke to aldermen at the meeting about the project, and answered concerns that ranged from security at the location, to how employees would be trained, to even the location itself.
Pinto says his company is planning to invest $2 million into the project, and will give an appearance of a “quick serve restaurant.”
Pinto continued to say that the business would have some aspects regulated by the state. One such aspect would limit how the business would be able to advertise. The business would only be able to state its brand and location, and cannot make it look appealing to children.
In addition, Pinto told aldermen that if they were caught selling products to minors, they would lose their license, and lose its business and potential revenues for the city as a result.
Pinto says the company did a lot of research into location, and noted a “sizeable” amount has been invested in the specific spot. He says the business could move spots, but it was preferred to stay near Centennial and McClugage.
Most aldermen were supportive of the proposal, with Ward IV Aldermen John Blundy saying there was not a good reason to say no.
“It’s a very attractive building, it fits in our commercial spaces that we want,” Blundy said. “I kinda understand, probably going way back, people didn’t like alcohol. Well I think society has adjusted to that.”
No action was taken, but a First Reading will be scheduled for the May 4th meeting, followed by a second reading and vote on May 18th.
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