The special use hearing for the proposed dispensary at 620 N Fairbanks is scheduled for Sept 20th at 2pm at City Hall in front of the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). SOAR is highly encouraging those opposed to come to the hearing on Friday to express their concerns - it is very important for the ZBA members to hear from the community in this process.

Hearing Details:

Friday Sept 20 at 2pm

121 N. LaSalle, Second Floor, City Council Chambers at City Hall

It is best to organize your comments around the ways in which the proposed dispensary does not meet one (or more) of the five criteria ZBA uses to determine special use permits. The five criteria are listed below:

1. The proposed special use complies with all applicable standards of the Chicago Zoning Ordinance
2. The proposed special use is in the interest of the public convenience and will not have a significant adverse impact on the general welfare of the neighborhood or community
3. The proposed special use is compatible with the character of the surrounding area in terms of site planning and building scale and project design
4. The proposed special use is compatible with the character of the surrounding area in terms of operating characteristics, such as hours of operation, outdoor lighting, noise and traffic generation
5. The proposed special use is designed to promote pedestrian safety and comfort

For example, the proposed dispensary does not meet criteria 2 as it will have a significant adverse impact on the neighborhood because of X, Y, Z....

Also, if you haven't yet, SOAR is also encouraging members opposed to this dispensary location to send a letter of opposition to the ZBA and Alderman Hopkins. See previous update post for a letter you can copy/paste into a new email and send to the listed email addresses.