City Council Recap
The City Council met on Aug. 16.
City Takes Business-Friendly Steps to Attract Recreational Cannabis Shops
In an effort to promote economic development and attract new businesses, Council approved allowing cannabis dispensaries as a permitted use in certain commercial and shopping areas. These shops have been allowed in Des Plaines since it became legal in Illinois, however, there are currently no shops located in the city. The change makes these businesses a “permitted use” which means a dispensary could open “by right,” needing only administrative approval. This streamlined process would be shorter and simpler for the business and will help make Des Plaines more attractive to a potential dispensary. The 500-foot minimum distance requirement around schools, houses of worship, and commercial day cares remains in place.
Recreational cannabis has proven to be an economic success in Illinois, and these changes are designed to help Des Plaines benefit from some of that success as these businesses can help generate sales tax and property tax revenues.
Council Asks for Possible Changes to Oakton St. Townhouse Development
Council did not take action on the proposed 125 townhouse project at 1050 E. Oakton St. (former Grazie Restaurant property). At the request Ward 5 Alderman Carla Brookman, the developer is reviewing the location of a stormwater detention pond. The item will come back to Council in October. At that time, if Council gives preliminary approval, the project will still have to go through a number of other steps as part of the City’s zoning and development process.
Other items were routine business. View meeting video.
The next meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, Sep. 7 at 7 p.m.
View agenda.
Watch meeting live.
New City Parking Garage Opens
Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski, Ward 7 Alderman Patsy Smith and City Clerk Jessica Mastalski, along with City Manager Michael G. Bartholomew and City and Chamber of Commerce personnel celebrated the official opening of the City’s new parking garage Monday morning. The Mayor cut the ribbon on the four-level facility (including the basement).
The garage has 274 spaces for Police Department and City Hall employees and visitors. It will also provide additional parking for the patrons of the remodeled theatre.
The City demolished the old garage at the end of 2019 and construction on the new garage began summer 2020. Construction also included an underground stormwater system for volume control and detention.
|
