Normal Town Council Meeting: Zoning Ordinances Passed

NORMAL- On Oct. 21 the Normal town council approved the amendment of the zoning regulations for marijuana businesses.

The council had discussed the possibility of delaying the approval for the zoning ordinances because they wanted to see if the marijuana industries would reach out to them after delaying the vote.

Corporation Counsel Brian Day had urged council to not post-pone and had mentioned that these industries would not wait to “play the field” because it is viable that would lead the industries to lose their licences. Mayor Chris Koos said it is an issue that deserves a public hearing.

Police Chief Bleichner later expanded on other factors the council would consider.

“The regulations regarding the odor of marijuana and how enforcement will manage this aspect should be considered in the vote tonight,” said Bleichner.

Koos also explained that the approval for the vote 5 to 1 was only for the amendment of the zoning regulations not for the overall approval of the sale of marijuana.

The next steps for the council will be to pass on the ordinances to the Planning Commission and get their recommendation that will reflect in their voting process that will be the ultimate decision in December or January made by the council.