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La Grange eyes regulations for medical marijuana shops
Updated: April 15, 2013 2:12AM
LA GRANGE — Village Board members took the first step Feb. 11 in regulating a medical marijuana shop if a new state law passes.
The board approved a resolution to revise the village’s zoning code and determine where a medical marijuana distribution center could be located as a special use and under what conditions it could operate.
The matter came before the board on the recommendation of the West Central Municipal Conference, which is tracking the progress of House Bill 30 in Springfield. The proposal provides that one distribution center be permitted to operate in each state senate district.
La Grange is divided among three districts, served by Sens. Christine Radogno, R-41st, Steve Landek, D-12th, and Kim Lightford, D-4th.
The bill bars municipalities from banning the centers, but does allow towns to regulate the shops, which can grow, harvest and distribute marijuana for medicinal purposes.
“This is not an opt-out program,” said Trustee Bill Holder. “If this bill gets passed, there would be one center per district, so we should definitely be out in front of this.”
Trustee Mike Horvath noted the bill as proposed would prohibit a center from opening within 2,500 feet of a school. The restriction which would effectively ban a center from operating in the south central business district with the proximity of Cossitt Elementary School, at Cossitt and Madison avenues.
If a law is passed allowing the centers, a potential zoning code revision then would be referred to the village Plan Commission for a public hearing and to formulate recommendations to the Village Board.
Barrington and Lake Forest already have passed measure regulating the centers in the event a state law is passed.
