A new cannabis dispensary coming to Brookfield is a hot topic, especially with residents living nearby.
The village board on June 22 voted 5-0 to approve a special use permit for a cannabis dispensary at 9500 Ogden Avenue, moving forward with a proposal that drew passionate opposition and support from residents.
The decision came after more than two hours of public comment, with neighbors expressing concerns about traffic, parking, and the location’s proximity to residential areas and youth-oriented businesses.
Supporters argued the regulated business would energize the commercial corridor and generate tax revenue.
“This is a different zoning district,” President Michael Garvey said, distinguishing the Ogden Avenue location from a previous cannabis proposal on 31st Street that the board rejected in February. “It’s meant for higher volumes of traffic and higher development.”
The 9500 Ogden Avenue site sits on the border of DuBois Boulevard, across the street from residential homes.
Applicant Tanya Griffin, CEO of the cannabis consulting company Water + Trees, said the dispensary will feature tinted windows, 24/7 surveillance, strict no-loitering policies, and compliance with state regulations. The dispensary will be owned by IC Collective, a cannabis grower based in Illinois.
Griffin noted that recent state law changes eliminated the requirement for armed security guards.
Emmanuel Carathanassis, who lives directly across the street, submitted a petition with 217 verified signatures opposing the permit. He cited concerns about compatibility with the surrounding residential neighborhood and noted the board had previously rejected a cannabis proposal citing proximity to residences.
“It’s a family-oriented neighborhood. That’s what attracted me to Brookfield 10 years ago,” he said.
He is worried about increased traffic on DuBois Boulevard and signage facing the homes. He also questioned whether the estimated $300,000 in tax revenue, projected by 2029, will actually materialize.
“I don’t think the amount of money is worth it,” he said. “I just don’t think it’s the right place for it.”
He suggested an industrial or commercial area would be a better fit—such as the dispensary on East Avenue in Hodgkins, which sits in a strip mall across from Menards, far from residential homes.
“I think a mixed-use area is not appropriate,” he said.
His wife, the Rev. Vicky Carathanassis, raised concerns about the application process, saying the neighborhood was not consulted during planning of the Energize Ogden corridor. She questioned why a dispensary was being considered when the area was envisioned for luxury apartments and retail shops.
A school bus stop is in front of the building, she said during a phone interview on June 25. She also questioned whether tax revenue will be as large as projected.
Chris DeBraccio, who owns Imperial Oak Brewing located just west of the site, across a parking lot, also spoke out lot against the dispensary.
Trustee Kyle Whitehead, absent from the meeting due to a family situation, submitted a written statement supporting the permit. He wrote that the dispensary would catalyze development around the Congress Park Metro Station and help relieve pressure on property taxes.
“I’m confident the dispensary would be safe and a welcome addition to the area,” Whitehead wrote.
Trustee Katheryn Kaluzny said the location aligns with the village’s Energize Ogden plan and brings diversity to the commercial corridor.
Trustee Julie Narimatsu, who lives nearby, said she views the regulated cannabis business as a reasonable retail use in a commercial area.
The board clarified that the village will not pave the alley behind the proposed location as a special favor to the applicant, and that any tax revenue generated will be shared across the village rather than directed to the immediate neighborhood.