Pubdate: Tue, 11 Nov 2014
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2014 Sun-Times Media, LLC
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/5QwXAJWY
Website: http://www.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81
Author: Art Golab
Page: 6

TOUGH CROWD, BUT NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP BACKS MEDICAL POT DISPENSARY

Though most of the Lake View residents who turned out for a community 
meeting about a proposed marijuana dispensary opposed it, the East 
Lake View Neighbors association, sponsors of the meeting, voted to 
approve a city zoning change that would allow the dispensary to open.

More than 60 people attended the meeting Monday evening to discuss a 
medical marijuana dispensary proposed for 2843 N. Halsted St.

Employees and consultants for MedMar Inc., the company that wants to 
run the dispensary, told the crowd that the location was one of a 
very few in Chicago that met strict zoning requirements set by both 
the state and the city for the dispensaries, now allowed under a 
recent state law.

They said a dispensary would especially be helpful to people 
suffering with AIDS, a number of whom live nearby in the 
neighborhood. Additionally, patients with ailments such as glaucoma, 
multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig's disease would benefit, the crowd was told.

John Sullivan, a former Cook County assistant state's attorney and 
now the security chief for MedMar, outlined extensive security 
precautions, including cameras and an enclosed inside dock for 
deliveries. He cited studies showing that crime has actually fallen 
in other jurisdictions where the sale of medical marijuana is allowed.

But one woman resident countered that, saying: "I cannot believe that 
anyone thinks this will not increase the crime rate in our neighborhood."

Though the East Lake View Neighbors voted at the end of the meeting 
to approve the zoning change granting a specialuse permit to MedMar, 
the ultimate decision will be up to the city.

Ald. Tom Tunney ( 44th) was not present.

Another meeting on the issue will be held Tuesday night in the Olson 
Auditorium at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 W. Wellington, 
hosted by the Central Lake View Neighbors.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom