Evergreen Park to hold hearing on proposed cannabis dispensary

By Joe Boyle

Evergreen Park residents and community leaders will get an opportunity to weigh in on a request to open a cannabis dispensary in their village.

A public hearing on the request will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, in the board room of the Village Hall, 9418 S. Kedzie Ave.

A petition has been filed by 1937 Retail Holdings, LLC-Ocean 2 and the 1937 Group Ltd., for a special use permit to allow the operation of a cannabis dispensing organization at the property at 9122 S. Kedzie Ave.

A public hearing was held last month to consider changes to the original ordinance approved three years ago. The original ordinance called for future consideration for a dispensary within the boundaries of 91st Street to 95th Street and Western Avenue.

However, no applicants came forward to request an opportunity to open a dispensary along Western Avenue. During the recent public hearing, the board approved to allow consideration for a dispensary site within the boundaries of 91st Street to 95th Street and Kedzie Avenue.

Since the Kedzie Avenue boundaries were added, 1937 Retail Holdings has indicated an interest.

Mayor Kelly Burke pointed out last month that if someone inquiries about a location, it still has to be approved by the board and go through a rigorous process through the state.

“A lot has changed since the original ordinance and we have learned a lot since then,” Burke said at the hearing last month. “It has been a real learning experience.”

The location being considered for a cannabis dispensary would be at the Scott Credit Union site.

Burke said that questions about the dispensary proposal will be addressed at the April 15 hearing. But she pointed out the dispensary site, if approved, would not be gutted. The property would be renovated.

Commend police

Police Chief Michael Saunders requested commendations for officers Sydney Smiley and Benjamin Vos for their quick response that resulted in the arrest of a man who reportedly had a semi-automatic pistol in his vehicle.

The officers pulled the driver over on March 9 because he had an expired registration. Smiley and Vos found the gun in the vehicle.

The offender was charged with one felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm.

“We are very grateful for this arrest and the removal of this firearm,” Burke said. “We appreciate the officers for keeping us safe.”

Burke also thanked U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-6th) for his assistance in obtaining $1,280,000 for a water main replacement project in the village.

The board also approved a business certificate for Urban Delights Essential Scents, 3345 W. 95th St., by a 6-0 tally. A license was also approved for Little Caesar’s Pizza, 3208 W. 95th St.

A request was approved from the Evergreen Park Girls Softball League for an opening day ceremonies parade between 6 and 7 p.m. Friday, May 10, at Yukich Field, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave.

The annual textile recycling event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Yukich Field.

The Earth Day Park Clean-Up event will be held at parks throughout the village from 10 to 11 a.m. April 13. Volunteer check-in will be held at Yukich Field. More information can be obtained at the website at www.evergreenpark-ill.com and to register as a volunteer.

A community blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave. Registration will be offered at www.communityblood.org or by calling 800-280-4102.

The City Lights Orchestra will perform at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at St. Bernadette Church, 9343 S. Francisco Ave. Tickets are available at the Evergreen Park Recreation Department, 3450 W. 97th St.

Burke also thanked the Evergreen Park Recreation Department for holding the “Easter Happenings Event” on March 28.